Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Beach Volleyball

Seen as an opportunity to gawk at semi-naked athletes playing sport in the sun, beach volleyball has a reputation for not taking itself seriously.

Over the last 20 years, beach volleyball has gained tremendous popularity. The sport is closely associated with beautiful and famous beaches around the world, such as those in Hawaii, California, and Rio de Janeiro, and holds significant cultural and recreational importance in these beach environments. Beach volleyball is typically played outdoors on sand, in contrast to volleyball played indoors, where conditions are more controlled and different skills may be emphasised.

The growing number of active players, more beach courts, increased tournaments, and higher prizes are the result of this highly tactical and physically demanding game. Beach volleyball is played and celebrated in many countries, with international tournaments attracting players and fans from across the globe.

Introduction to beach volleyball

Beach volleyball is a dynamic sport played on a sand court, typically outdoors, with two players per team.

Unlike indoor volleyball, which is played on a hard indoor court with six players per side, the beach game demands a different set of skills. Beach volleyball players must master ball control and quick decision-making, as they cover the entire beach volleyball court with just one teammate.

The modern two-player game traces its roots to Santa Monica, California, where the sport evolved from casual beach gatherings into a competitive and globally recognised game.

Today, beach volleyball is celebrated for its fast pace, athleticism, and the unique challenges posed by playing on sand under the sun.

History of beach volleyball

Beach volleyball boasts a colourful history that stretches back over a century, blending fun, fitness, and public enjoyment on some of the world’s most iconic beaches. 

The first recorded game took place in 1915 at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Hawaii, where the sport was introduced as a sandy offshoot of indoor volleyball. While indoor volleyball was already gaining traction, the beach version quickly found its own identity, offering a more relaxed and sun-soaked alternative.

The modern two-player game as we know it began to take shape in the 1920s on the beaches of Santa Monica, California. Here, beach volleyball grew from casual gatherings into a competitive sport, with players relishing the challenge of the sand and the open air. 

Over the decades, the game evolved, with the first professional tournament held in 1976, marking a turning point for the sport’s legitimacy and appeal.

As beach volleyball continued to gain momentum, it spread to beaches and sand courts worldwide, attracting athletes and fans alike. The introduction of the FIVB World Tour brought together top players from different countries, elevating the sport to a global stage. 

Today, beach volleyball is celebrated not only for its athletic demands but also for its vibrant history, with tournaments held from Hawaii to California and beyond, making it a beloved sport for both players and spectators.

The basic rules of beach volleyball

Serving alternates between teams, and the service order is determined at the start of the set and must be maintained throughout.

Beach volleyball tournaments are typically organised into a season, with teams competing in various events that culminate in championships or finals at the end of each competitive cycle.

Volleyball court

The opposing teams have only two players, playing on a court that is 8x8m compared to 9x9m for indoor volleyball. The net height also varies, for men it is 2.43 m and for women 2.24 m with a 10m difference between the posts.

The goal of beach volleyball is to strike the ball back and forth over the net and score points by the ball hitting the opponent’s courtside.

Team players can touch the ball three times before it must be played to their opponent. The three touches typically include a pass, set and hit – passing is receiving the ball and playing it towards your teammate, who then sets, before being struck over the net. During these plays, players often need to travel perpendicularly to the net or their teammate’s line to maintain optimal positioning and court coverage.

Serving in volleyball

To begin play, a player must serve the ball over the net into the opposing team’s court. It is prohibited to touch the net during games. Touching the net results in a point for the other team. If the ball is returned, then a rally has been created until a point is scored when one side fails to return the ball over the net.

Entering the opponent’s side of the court is only allowed if doesn’t interfere with the opponent’s play. Touching the opponent on their side is interference and is not permitted.

Volleyball rallies and point-scoring

Unlike indoor volleyball, there are no fixed positions. Each player can move around their court as they need to. Only the serving player requires rotation. If one team continuously wins the rallies, it is always the same player serving. If one side loses a rally, then the opposing team’s second player will serve next.

Only the serve must be carried out by either the server’s hand or arm. Once the ball is part of a rally, then players can use their other body limbs including kicking the ball to return to the opposition.

The ball can never be thrown or caught; it must either be struck or hit. Furthermore, receiving the ball with open hands is also not permitted, nor is playing the ball with an open hand to attack.

Blocking the ball also counts towards a touch, so if a player has blocked the shot, then he or she is only permitted two more touches before the ball must be returned across the net.

Beach volleyball matches are won when one side has one at least two out of three games. The first two games are decided when a team has reached 21 points (but winning by a two-point margin) with the third and final one game at 15 points if required.

bPlayer roles and specialisations

In the world of beach volleyball, players tend to develop specialised roles despite the small team size.

With only two players on each team, both athletes must be versatile, but typically one focuses on blocking at the net while the other excels in defence and setting. The block counts as one of the team’s three allowed touches, making coordination and communication essential.

Unlike indoor volleyball, where players rotate through positions, beach volleyball players must adapt to every situation—serving, setting, hitting, and defending.

Legends like Sinjin Smith have become icons of the sport due to their mastery of both blocking and defensive play, demonstrating the importance of being skilled in all aspects of the game for each player.

Tactics of Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball playing techniques are again similar to indoor volleyball. According to beach volleyball rules, there are a few notable differences.

Players must also be prepared to defend against a hard-driven ball, which is a fast, powerful spike that requires quick reflexes and specific defensive strategies.

The dig

The technique for passing is known as the “dig” – a technique for receiving the ball that also doubles up as a “set.”

The hand-set

If players do not utilise the dig, then they can use the hand-set, when players ‘cup’ their hands lifting the ball high into the air so that their teammate can obtain enough time to strike the ball across the net.

Hitting/striking the ball

Hitting the ball is done more effectively when players jump high in the air and strike the ball hard with their flat hand, adding topspin and speed to the ball, aiming to beat the opposing player’s block.

The cut

A unique hitting technique is the “cut”. It is being played either from the left or right-hand side of the net at an extreme angle diagonally along the net, aiming to use placement instead of speed to beat the opposition.

The poke

Another alternative is the “poke”. Rather than using their flat hands to strike the ball, players use their first two fingers to poke the ball over the net from a defensive block.

Blocking

Blocking is when players jump up with two hands over the net to rebound the shot back into the opponent’s court. Successful blocking can change significantly change the outcome of a match. Not only is it a way to obtain quick and easy points but can have a significant psychological impact on the attacking team, if all their offensive shots result in points conceded.

‘Fake block’

In beach volleyball block and defence are tightly aligned, and the best players do well because they master each other’s tactics. This includes a “fake block” that aims to confuse attacking opposing players and counters poke and cut shots.

Blocking hand signals

You’ll notice in beach volleyball that the players use specific hand signals to communicate in secret to each other. In these cases, hand signals are generally made behind the back to conceal them from the opposing team, indicating the type of serve or block they should initiate on the next rally.

Physical fitness and training

Success in beach volleyball requires more than just skill—it demands top-tier physical fitness.

The sport challenges athletes to jump, dive, and sprint across shifting sand, which builds strength and endurance in ways that differ from playing on an indoor court. Training programmes for beach volleyball players focus on improving ball control, explosive jumping ability, and quick lateral movement.

Coaching often emphasises defensive strategies and conditioning to withstand long rallies under the sun.

Champions like Kerri Walsh Jennings and Randy Stoklos credit their achievements to rigorous training routines that prepare them for the unique demands of the beach game, where every point can hinge on athleticism and stamina.

Mental preparation and strategy

Success in beach volleyball isn’t just about physical skill—it’s also a mental game that challenges athletes to stay sharp and adaptable. Unlike indoor volleyball, where conditions are controlled, beach volleyball players must constantly read and react to the wind, sun, and shifting sand. This means every game is different, and players need to adjust their tactics on the fly.

Communication between teammates is crucial, as two players must cover the entire beach volleyball court and anticipate their opponents’ moves. Staying focused under pressure, especially during long rallies or when the score is tight, can be the difference between winning and losing a match. 

Top athletes like Kerri Walsh Jennings and Randy Stoklos have emphasised the importance of mental preparation, using visualisation, positive self-talk, and strategic planning to stay ahead of the competition.

Developing a strong mental strategy helps beach volleyball players build confidence, maintain composure, and make smart decisions—even when the sun is blazing and the sand is hot. By mastering the mental side of the sport, players can elevate their game and achieve consistent success on the beach.

Equipment and safety

Beach volleyball is known for its minimal equipment, but every piece plays a vital role in the game.

The ball used is slightly larger and lighter than an indoor volleyball, making it easier to control in windy beach conditions. The court is marked with brightly coloured lines, and the net is set to official heights for both men and women.

Players usually play barefoot to maximise their grip on the sand, though some opt for sand socks to protect their feet from hot surfaces or sharp objects. Sunglasses and hats are common for sun protection, and lightweight clothing helps athletes stay cool.

Safety is a priority, with rules in place to prevent injuries from diving and jumping, and the FIVB ensures that nets and court boundaries are properly maintained.

Whether playing for fun or in a top domestic tour, beach volleyball players must always be mindful of the sun, heat, and the unique challenges of the sand.

Popular beach volleyball terms

Cross Court Shot: an attacking short that is played from one end of the team’s court over the net to the oppositions at a diagonal angle, aiming to beat the opponent with a placement shot. Similar to a tennis cross court shot.

• Cut: similar to cross cross-court shot, but a shorter and more extreme diagonal short played close to the net.
• Fake Block: a “faked” block is when the blocking player pulls away from the net when the offensive player strikes the ball. A “drop” is when a player decides against a “faked” block, leaving the net early.
• Joust: two opposing players both aiming to play the ball just above the net.
• Kill: an attack that finishes a rally resulting in an immediate point or side out.
• Poke Shot: a ball struck with the knuckles of the index and middle finger.
• Sideout: winning both a point and the serve right after receiving the ball.
• Spike: ball struck with force by an offensive player who intends to beat the opposite’s blocker and score a point on their courtside.
• Timeout: 30-second interruption. Both teams can request a timeout once per set (game).
• Teamwork and communication with other players is crucial in beach volleyball, as effective coordination between teammates can greatly impact strategy and performance.

Beach volleyball and the Olympics

Beach volleyball made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, instantly capturing the world’s attention with its fast-paced action and dramatic rallies. Since then, the sport has been a fixture at every Summer Olympics, with men’s and women’s tournaments featuring the top beach volleyball players from around the globe.

The Olympic format includes a round-robin stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in the battle for gold. Legendary athletes like Sinjin Smith and Kerri Walsh Jennings have become household names thanks to their Olympic success, with the United States consistently ranking among the top nations in the sport.

The inclusion of beach volleyball in the Olympics has helped boost its popularity worldwide, turning it into one of the most anticipated and watched events of the Games. For many players, winning an Olympic medal represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport, inspiring new generations to take up the game and dream of competing on the world’s biggest stage.

How to bet on beach volleyball: know the game

With this guide to beach volleyball, you should have enough to get started watching and betting on your first match. If you grasp these basics, you’ll quickly realise that this sport is about far more than just sun and sand—it’s a dynamic, tactical, and high-intensity game that rewards teamwork, timing, and endurance.

Beach volleyball is typically played in a best-of-three format.

Each team has two players, and the first two sets are played to 21 points, with a deciding third set (if needed) to 15 points. A team must win by two points. The absence of substitutions and coaching during play places a premium on player versatility and in-game decision-making.

What to consider when betting on beach volleyball:

• Team chemistry: Unlike indoor volleyball, duos must cover the entire court, so synergy is crucial.
• Weather conditions: Wind, sun, and heat can dramatically affect performance and tactics.
• Surface and venue: Certain teams may perform better in specific conditions (e.g., dry sand vs. damp).
• Recent performance: Track pairings’ form across FIVB or Olympic qualifiers.
• Head-to-head records: Some duos consistently dominate particular matchups.
• Country representation: Players and teams often represent different countries, and understanding the strengths and playing styles associated with each country can provide valuable insights for bettors.

Popular betting markets include:

• Match winner
• Set betting
• Total points over/under
• Correct score
• Handicap markets

To stay informed, consult betting tipsters with a focus on volleyball or niche sports. If you’re looking to improve your margins, use arbitrage betting software to compare markets across sportsbooks and find the best odds.

With its global fanbase, Olympic prestige, and fast-paced rallies, beach volleyball is a rewarding sport to follow—and, with a bit of research, to bet on as well.