Beach volleyball is governed internationally by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), which publishes the Official Beach Volleyball Rules every four years. These rules serve as the foundation for how the sport is played globally and are updated to reflect the evolving nature of the game. Over the years, significant changes have been made, including modifications to court size, scoring systems, and service regulations.
Court and Equipment
- Court Size: The beach volleyball court is smaller than its indoor counterpart, measuring 16 meters long and 8 meters wide. The sand must be at least 40 centimeters deep, providing a suitable surface for play.
- Ball Specifications: The ball must be spherical and constructed from flexible, water-resistant materials appropriate for outdoor conditions. A beach volleyball has a circumference of 66–68 cm, weighs between 260–280 g, and should have an internal pressure of 0.175–0.225 kg/cm².
Team Composition
- Players: Each team consists of exactly two players, who must remain in play throughout the match. Substitutions or replacements are not allowed. Upon serving, each team must be positioned within its own court, though there are no specific positions designated on the court.
Scoring System
- Point Scoring: A point is awarded to a team when:
- The ball lands on the opposing team’s court.
- The opposing team hits the ball “out.”
- The opposing team commits a fault.
- The opposing team receives a penalty.
The team that wins a point serves for the next point.
- Out of Bounds: A ball is considered “out” if it:
- Lands completely outside the boundary lines (a ball is “in” if any part of it touches a sideline or end-line).
- Touches any object or person not involved in the game.
- Contacts the net’s antennae.
- Fails to cross the net’s lateral boundaries during service or the team’s third contact.
- Crosses completely under the net.
Match Structure
- Winning a Set: A set is won by the first team to reach 21 points, with a requirement of a two-point lead. In the deciding final set, a team must reach 15 points, also with a two-point advantage. If the score reaches 21–20 (or 15–14 in the final set), the set continues until one team achieves the required lead.
Winning the Match: The first team to win two sets is declared the match winner.