FAQ: Beach Volleyball Rules

Beach volleyball is a sport played by two teams of at least two players on each side of a net and is played on a sand court. Many people are confused between the rules of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. This list of questions clears up some of the most common mistakes people have concerning the rules of beach volleyball specifically.

Q: What is the size of the playing area?

A: The court is defined as a rectangle of at least 28 x 56 feet. It is typically played on a sand court that is as level as possible and the net is at 8 feet.

Q: Is it rally scoring?

A: Beach volleyball normally is played using rally scoring where every time a team fails to get the ball back over the net, a point is awarded to the other team. This is different from other scoring where only the team that is serving is able to score a point.

Q: What are the basic rules?

A: The main rules are the same for each game of volleyball. First is the serve that must cross the net and is played by the opposing team. If the ball hits the ground then that team loses the point. Each team is allowed three hits to get the ball over the net without one player hitting it twice in a row. Also, a block at the net is not considered a hit. The ball is considered in bounds if it hits within the court including the boundary lines.