Basic Beach Volleyball Rules
First things first, before you step in the sand to play some volleyball you need to realize that beach volleyball rules are very different than your indoor volleyball rules.
Lets start with the very basics of how to play beach volleyball. The volleyball pass is the almost the only thing that is similar between the two sports. Outdoor setting is very different than an indoor volleyball set. You are allowed to hold the ball a bit longer in beach volleyball setting so that the ball will not spin when it comes out of your hands. You will notice that the sets on the beach will look much cleaner than indoor sets.
While we are on the topic of volleyball setting let me explain an important rule to you. You can’t side set the ball over the net in sand volleyball. This means that you can only set over the net if you do so directly in front or behind you.
Beach Volleyball Net Height
The only difference between women’s beach volleyball and mens is that the net is lower for women. The ball and size of the court are the exact same. The official beach volleyball net height for women is 7′4 and 5/8″. The net height for men is 7′11 5/8″. If you are wondering yes that is the same net height as indoor volleyball. So you can see how much more difficult it will be to spike in the sand.
Volleyball Tips
One great thing about playing 2 on 2 is that there are no dinky open hand tips allowed in beach volleyball. If you are going to shoot the ball you must do so with knuckles (camel toe), poke it with the tips of your straight fingers (cobra) or do a roll shot from the palm of your hands. Make sure there is no “finger action” on the ball. Learning how to shoot a ball is very important in sand volleyball, this game is not all about power all the time. You will learn how to be a smarter player.
Setting the Serve
You are not allowed to set the serve in beach volleyball. You can let it bounce off your hands but your hands must be touching each other. This is where indoor players lose a lot of points when making the transition from indoor to outdoor volleyball.
The great thing about this sport is that there isn’t much beach volleyball equipment needed to play. For most places all you need is a ball and you are good to go.
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I agree that you will become a better player playing with experienced volleyball players, but I think one of the most important things to do is drills, and have someone analyzing your form. Starting out, there is a lot to remember to proper form for passing, setting and hitting, and they are not necessarily ‘natural’ body movements-you have to learn and practice this form over and over again for it to BECOME natural by numerous repetitions. By just playing, and not giving yourself an opportunity to break-down your form and improving upon it, you will never become a truly ‘good’ volleyball player. Beach is also different than hardcourt, so understanding there is an adjustment period is important, too.
Sophie, I agree completely. Just playing will not make you better, you have to analyze every part of your form in your passing, setting, approach and hit.