How the Rules Change for Beach Volleyball vs Indoor Volleyball
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How the Rules Change for Beach Volleyball: What Sets It Apart from Indoor Play
Beach volleyball and indoor volleyball may look similar at first glance—both involve hitting a ball over a net and aiming to score points—but if you take a closer look, the two versions of the game have key differences, especially when it comes to rules. For players transitioning from indoor to beach volleyball (or fans trying to understand the game better), knowing how the rules change is essential. Here's a breakdown of the major differences and how they affect the way beach volleyball is played.
1. Team Size
One of the most noticeable differences in beach volleyball is the number of players on the court. Indoor volleyball is played with six players per side, while beach volleyball has only two players per team. This changes the entire dynamic of the game.
With only two players, there are no substitutions, no designated positions like libero or middle blocker, and each player must be skilled in all aspects of the game—serving, passing, setting, hitting, blocking, and defense.
2. Court Size
Beach volleyball courts are smaller than indoor courts. A beach volleyball court measures 16x8 meters, while an indoor court is 18x9 meters. This smaller size helps balance out the fact that there are fewer players covering the court.
Also, there is no attack line (10-foot or 3-meter line) on a beach court, so players can hit from anywhere.
3. Scoring System
Beach volleyball uses a best-of-three sets format. The first two sets are played to 21 points, and the third set (if needed) is played to 15 points. Teams must win by at least two points.
In contrast, indoor volleyball usually plays best-of-five sets, with the first four sets played to 25 points and the fifth to 15.
Also, in both versions of the game, rally scoring is used—meaning a point is scored on every rally, regardless of which team served.
4. Switching Sides
In beach volleyball, teams switch sides every 7 points in sets to 21, and every 5 points in sets to 15. This ensures fairness since sun, wind, and sand conditions can affect play. Indoor volleyball teams only switch sides at the end of each set.
5. Setting and Hand Contact Rules
Beach volleyball has stricter rules for hand setting. Double contacts (where the ball spins significantly or comes off unevenly) are called more often on the beach than indoors. Many beach players use bump sets (forearm passing) to avoid getting called for a fault.
Open-handed tips or "dinks" are not allowed in beach volleyball. Players must use knuckles, fist pokes, or hard-driven shots instead.
6. Attire and Environment
Beach volleyball is typically played outdoors in the sand, often under the sun and wind. This environment affects strategy, movement, and endurance. Players wear minimal, breathable clothing for comfort and performance. Indoor players, on the other hand, play in climate-controlled gyms with traditional uniforms.
Final Thoughts
The rule changes between beach and indoor volleyball make each version of the sport unique. Beach volleyball emphasizes all-around skills, adaptability, and endurance, while indoor volleyball focuses more on team roles and specialized play. Whether you’re playing or watching, understanding these rule differences can deepen your appreciation for both exciting versions of the game!