Get Set to Battle!
A guide to the basic beach volleyball moves, rules and positions to have you playing
like a pro!
Starting Play
Captains will be called to ‘rock off’ (scissors, paper, rock) before the start of the match
to determine service order and court positioning. Service order must be maintained
throughout the set.
Team Compositions
Teams should be made up of at least 5 players, but you can have up to 8 players
registered to allow for substitutions. Substitutions are permitted to make unlimited
entries into the court but may only replace a player at the completion of the rally. If you
have a spare player on the side line, we would suggest you rotate this player on to
serve, while the outside hitter closest to the net exits the court.
Playing the Ball
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Each team is entitled to a maximum of three hits before returning the ball. A block
counts as one of three hits.
Players must not hit the ball twice in succession and the ball cannot be caught or
thrown, only hit.
Players cannot use another player or the net to reach the ball.
Players cannot block or spike a serve that comes to them on the first contact.
Scoring System
Rally point scoring system will be used; each rally is worth one (1) point.
To win a point
Whenever a team fails in its service or fails to return the ball, or commits any other fault, the
opposing team wins the rally and one (1) point.
Serve
When serving in beach volleyball you must have your eye on the prize - the objective is
always the same - to send the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. Serves
can either be underhand or overhand, depending on the skillset of the player.
Block
Players must be attentive, confident and intuitive in order to successfully block their
opponent. Jumping up with two hands, the block aims to get their hands over the net to
rebound it back quickly into the opponent’s court.
Dig
The key to digging is to prevent the ball from hitting the ground and focus on getting
the ball up in your section of the court. Always try to use both forearms when digging
to help absorb some of the force and control where the ball is headed.
Spike
A single handed shot like a smash in tennis or badminton played over head. The
player aims to jump and hit the ball above their hitting shoulder with a straight arm,
letting the wrist snap, adding spin and speed to the ball.
Set
Using a spring like action when the ball lands on the finger tips, the player lets the
ball land and immediately pushes the ball out and upwards high in the air, aiming the
ball close to the net, aiming for their teammate to spike the ball.
NET
Court Positioning
Front
Front
Back
Back
Back