ACOG - Beach Volleyball - IBM

Spectator's Guide to Beach Volleyball

Although similar to the indoor, six-player game, beach volleyball features its own unique skills, risks and strategies.

The Basics

Players

Each team consists of two players.

Players qualified for the Olympic tournament based on FIVB world rankings Olympic Beach Volleyball Overview

Court and Net

The court is 18m x 9m divided into two equal size courts (same dimensions as an indoor court).

The net is 2.43m high for men and 2.24m for women.

A 5-8 cm wide line marks the court. Shots hitting on the line are "in."

Ball

The ball is specifically made for outdoor play.

The same size as the indoor ball, the outdoor ball is "softer," with about 70 percent of the pressure of the indoor ball.

Service

Serves may be made from anywhere behind the baseline and inside the sideline extended.

Only one attempt is allowed for each service.

The serve alternates between players from the same side (service order).

Scoring

In all matches except the finals, one game is played to 15 points. Teams must win by 2 points, but a maximum score of 17 ends the game.

Finals are played to the best of three games to 12 points (maximum). There is no maximum limit in the third and final game.

Teams only can score points on their own service except in the third game of a match, where every serve results in a point for the winner of the rally.

Playing the Ball

Sides are limited to three contacts with the ball.

A block counts as a contact.

The ball may be played with any part of the body (except to serve).

The ball may be held momentarily by the defending team following a "hard driven" attack.

The ball may be held by two players simultaneously in a "joust" at the net.

Attacking players may not "tip" the ball over the net with an open hand or fingers.

Balls set over the net as attacking shots must travel perpendicularly to the player's shoulder line.

Time Outs/Substitutions/Court Changes

Each team is allowed two 30-second timeouts per game.

No substitutions.

Teams change sides of the court every multiple of 5 points (4:1, 6:4, etc.).

Other

Players may go under the net as long as they do not interfere with their opponents.

Players cannot deliberately screen to keep the opposition from seeing the server.

In the event of an injury, players are allowed a one-time-only, 5-minute rest break.

Faults are called for players touching the net or service attempts touching the net.

Officials

First referee (head official), second referee, scorer and linespersons.

The Players

While many beach players began their careers on indoor courts, they have adapted well to the beach version of the game. However, unlike the specialized hitters, setters and defenders used in indoor volleyball, beach players must be proficient in all of the sport's required skills. Each player must set, pass, block and spike if a team hopes to reach the final rounds of the Olympic tournament.

Playing without the benefit of player substitutions, outdoor players must cover the same amount of court space with two players as indoor teams cover with six. The players must keep in top physical condition, but must pace themselves throughout the match to conserve energy for a game-deciding rally.

The Risks

Competing against the world's top-ranked players can be challenging enough, but beach volleyball athletes also battle a pair of exceptionally cruel opponents: the sand and the sun. Running, jumping and diving in the soft sand can cause strain on the knees and result in tendonitis and other physical ailments.

The bright sunshine and high humidity also pose threats to a player's health. Athletes often suffer from hyperthermia, dehydration and sun exposure, and sometimes require hospitalization following a match.

The Strategies

While the heat and sand can take its toll on players, teams also can utilize strategies to help wear down opponents. Watch for teams to serve high balls toward the back end line, forcing receiving players to continuously run back and forth across the sand. The constant dashing around the court can be physically draining and lead to fatigue-related errors.

Defensively, teams will convey their blocking and coverage patterns through a variety of hand signals displayed behind the back. The signs indicate which area the blocker will cover at the net and which area of the open court the teammate should play to receive the attack.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publication Department. Written by Howard Thomas.


Olympic Factoid
Closing Ceremony of the 1996 Games involved a crew of 2,100 who worked with more than 3,500 performers as well as thousands of athletes who celebrated on the field of Olympic Stadium.