Beach Volleyball Rules

Indoor volleyball players often struggle in their first few tournaments on the beach because the rules have been adapted to suit the 2v2 game.  Take some time to learn the differences between indoor and beach volleyball rules and you will be better prepared for your season on the sand or in the grass.  

Notable Changes from Indoor Volleyball with Applicable rulebook section in parenthesis. 

1)  You can't open hand tip. (17.2.3)

2)  The block counts as one of your three contacts.  (18.4.1)

3)  Open Hand Serve Receive and Free ball play has no tolerance for double contact or prolonged contact.  When the player is defending a hard driven ball it may be double contacted or momentarily held.   (13.4.2)

4) There is no centerline under the net to avoid crossing on the beach.  (15.2)

5) In Beach Volleyball the teams switch sides of the court every 7 points in a game to 21 and every 5 points in a game to 15. (22.1)

6)  A player may not attack with an overhand pass unless the pass is executed perpendicular to the shoulders of the attacking players.  (17.2.5)

Click Here to See The Complete Online Beach Volleyball Rule Book.