Beach Volleyball Rules

Beach volleyball originated in South California, and now it is an Olympics team event. Presently, this game is popular all over the world, and even in landlocked countries like Switzerland.

Before we get to the rules, it is important that one knows the basics of volleyball, like the court measurement, etc. A beach volley ball court measures 26.25 feet by 52.5 feet. The game is played with two players on each side, but recreational games are played with 6 players on each side.

Points are scored by making the ball touch the ground in the opponent's side of the court, much like tennis. The game is played in sets of three―the first team to win two sets wins the match. A set is won after reaching the score of 21 (with a minimum difference of 2 points), and the third set is played only till 15 points, since it is like a tie breaker.

If on a serve, no one from the opposing team touches the ball, then it is called an 'Ace'. If the ball goes to the opposing team as a result of a fault, then it is known as a 'Sideout'. A 'Roof' is when a player jumps over the height of the net to block the ball.

A 'Stuff' is when a roof happens, and the ball goes back to the player who spiked the ball. When a player makes a save from a difficult attack, then it is known as a 'Dig'. A 'Kill'' is made when a spike ends in a point or a side out.

Here are the basic rules of the game.

• As far as beach volleyball is concerned, players can reach under the net to score as long as they don't hamper the opposing team's play.
• The ball can only be served from in front of the end line after contact had been made.

• This serve must be over-handed or under-handed. A soft dink is not allowed.
• The scores are monitored whenever the ball is dropped. A maximum of three hits are allowed per side.
• It is okay if the ball grazes the net on a serve, and also if the ball lands on the boundary line.
• A player is not supposed to attack or block a serve.

• Only the front row player can switch positions, that too after a serve.
• Touching the net while the ball is in play is a foul.

Beach volleyball and indoor beach volleyball are almost similar, but the two have some differences.

• In indoor beach volleyball, the players can't reach across the net to play the ball, unlike beach volleyball.
• The side that serves first, must do so from behind the end line.

• A point is also scored if the opposing team touches the net.
• If two players hit the ball at the same time, they can't hit it again in succession.
• Taking more than 8 seconds to serve is also a fault.
• A player can only serve the ball once.

• A player cannot make two consecutive hits.
• In a coed game, males and females must be positioned alternatively.
• A block is not included as one of the three hits. Only if both the hands are used will it be called a block.
• Points are only scored on each teams individual serve.

So these were some basic volleyball rules. You must have noticed that the rules are very similar with a few exceptions. Enjoy your summer and get that awesome tan!