Debbie Spokes

UK Beach Volleyball - Heading for 2012

The Game

Beach volleyball is played on a sand based court 8 meters by 16 meters separated in the middle by a net at a height of 2.24 metres (women).

A team has two players and play is similar to indoor volleyball - one team serves, the other tries to win the rally or 'side-out' using moves known as 'dig', 'set' and 'spike'.

The ball can be played over the net on the first or second touch to surprise the opposition, but you are not allowed more than three touches of the ball.

The team usually fields a frontcourt player and backcourt player. The frontcourt player is responsible for 'blocking' and is usually the taller of the pair, while the backcourt player is the defender covering the rest of the court making 'digs'.

The sun, wind and sand make beach volleyball a difficult game to play requiring a high level of fitness. Players need excellent ball skills and must be able to react and move fast in order to win.

Games are played as rally point and best of three sets, the first two played to 21. If a tiebreaker is needed, it is played to 15. A team must win the set by a two-point advantage. Scoring systems may vary slightly depending on the competition.

Beach volleyball was first introduced as an Olympic sport in Atlanta in 1996 and due to its success and popularity, now has one of fastest ticket sales for the games.