What are the basic beach volleyball rules?

Question

What are the basic beach volleyball rules?

Answer 1

Outdoor court 26 by 52 feet

Indoor court 30 by 60 feet

Outdoor, the block counts as a hit.

Indoor, the block does not count as one of the 3 hits.  

Outdoor first sets are to 21, deciding set to 15.

Indoor first sets to 25, deciding set to 15.  (USAV rules)

Outdoor 5 second to serve.

Indoor 8 seconds to serve.

Outdoor switch sides every 7 points in the first sets, and every 5 points in the deciding set.

Indoor has no switching of sides until the end of the first sets.  Teams will switch sides in the deciding game when one team reaches 8 points.  (USAV rules)

Answer 2

Hi -

Depending on where you play, the rules will vary.  But assuming you know indoor rules, the main differences are in what is allowed:

- Double contacts / Lifts are called much more frequently on the beach.  If you hand set, the ball has to come out with no spin.

- You need to hit (or roll the ball) - tipping (open hand dink) is not allowed.  If you are going to set the ball over, you have to set it straight in front of you, not face one way and set the other.

- Typically people play 2 or 4 on a side on the beach as opposed to 6 indoors.

- Scoring will vary and there may be a timer depending on where you play.

Good luck,