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Beach volleyball courts

Sand, a tight net and two players a side.

Beach volleyball is played barefoot on sand, in teams of two. On beaches, in parks and at lakeside leisure areas, many courts are free to use whenever the net is up. Oukonjou helps you find the ones near you.

Also known as: sand volleyball court, beach volley court.

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Overview

A beach volleyball court is a rectangle of loose sand with a net stretched between two posts. The rules of the FIVB, volleyball's international federation, specify a 16 × 8 m court with the net at 2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women. The lines are flexible straps fixed into the sand, so they do not hurt bare feet.

Courts are found on beaches but also far from the sea: in city parks, leisure centres and on lake shores. A good court has deep, clean sand with no stones or debris, padded posts and clear space around the lines so you can dive without hitting anything. At some sites the net is taken down out of season or overnight.

Beach volleyball has been an Olympic sport since Atlanta 1996. On the Oukonjou map you will find free-access courts in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Andorra and Monaco, and you can follow a town to get an email alert when a new court is listed there.

Where to find beach volleyball courts

21 beach volleyball courts listed in 15 towns.

By country

Best-equipped towns

Who it's for

Two-a-sideThe official format. Every player touches the ball on almost every rally, so you need to be able to do everything.
Bigger teamsWith three or four a side, rallies last longer and beginners find it easier. This is the usual format for impromptu games.
Casual rallyingPassing the ball round a circle or back and forth over the net, without keeping score, to work on your dig and set.
Fitness trainingRunning, jumping and moving in sand is hard work for the legs. Some people use the court for strength and conditioning.
Indoor playersIndoor volleyball players often head to the sand in summer to stay sharp and vary their footwork.

Rules of the game

The official rules are those of the FIVB. Games on public courts are often more relaxed, but these are the basics.

  • Two teams of two players, with no substitutes, play on a 16 × 8 m court.
  • The net is set at 2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women.
  • Each team has up to three touches to send the ball back. The same player cannot touch the ball twice in a row, except after a block.
  • Every rally scores a point, whichever team is serving.
  • A set is won at 21 points, with a 2-point lead.
  • A match is best of three sets. If a third set is needed, it is played to 15, still with a 2-point lead.
  • A ball touching the line is in. Touching the net while playing the ball is a fault.
  • For casual games, adjust the net height if the posts allow it and agree on team sizes before you start.

Safety and gear

  • Before playing, sweep the sand with your feet: glass, stones and forgotten objects often cause injuries.
  • Warm up your ankles, knees and shoulders. Moving in sand tires the joints quickly.
  • Sand gets scorching hot in full sun. Keep sand socks handy and play in the morning or late afternoon if you can.
  • Drink often and protect yourself from the sun with a cap, sunglasses and sun cream.
  • Check that the posts are padded and that nothing sticks out around the court.
  • Do not hang from the net or the tension cables.

Regulations

EuropeStandard EN 1271

It covers volleyball equipment, including posts and nets. It applies to the equipment installed on the court, not to how you play.

EuropeFIVB rules

The international volleyball federation sets the rules of beach volleyball: a 16 × 8 m court, teams of two, sets to 21 points and net heights.

EuropeBelgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg: EN standards adopted

European standards are adopted in Belgium (NBN EN), Switzerland (SN EN) and Luxembourg. Compliance is voluntary, but after an accident the courts will in practice check whether they were followed.

FranceFacility census and opening hours

In France, every owner of a sports facility must declare it to the authorities so it can be recorded (Article L.312-2 of the French Sports Code). The mayor can also set opening hours for the court by municipal order.

AndorraAndorra: follow the posted rules

Go by the rules displayed at the entrance, often in Catalan, the country's official language.

MonacoMonaco: follow the posted rules

Access and conditions of use are those shown on site by the site manager.

European standards are voluntary, but they are the reference when an accident happens. The rules posted on site always come first.

Etiquette

  • When others are waiting, play a set, then offer them your place or invite them to join in.
  • Leave nothing in the sand: bottle caps, bottles and cigarette ends are a hazard for the next bare feet.
  • Keep your bags and belongings off the court and out of the playing area.
  • If your ball lands on another court, wait for the rally to finish before fetching it.
  • On a beach, watch out for walkers and children playing nearby.
  • Make room for beginners: four-a-side is often more fun for everyone.

Glossary

Dig
Playing the ball off joined forearms, used to receive serves and to defend against attacks. Also called a bump.
Set
The team's second touch, placing the ball for the attack. Played two-handed above the head, it must be very clean in beach volleyball.
Spike
A hard, downward attack into the opponents' court after a jump.
Block
Jumping at the net with arms raised to stop the opponents' attack.
Pokie
Pushing the ball with the knuckles to place it over or around the block.
Shot
A soft, placed ball into an open area instead of a full spike.
Ace
A serve that lands without the opponents being able to return it.
Side-out
A point won by the receiving team, which then takes over the serve.
Did you know?

Beach volleyball joined the Olympic programme at the 1996 Atlanta Games. This beach game turned Olympic sport can also be played for free on public courts.

What to bring

  • Beach volleyball
  • Sand socks
  • Cap and sunglasses
  • Sun cream
  • Water bottle

FAQ

Is the court free to use?

Courts listed as free-access on Oukonjou cost nothing and need no booking. Some sites reserve their courts for a club or a tournament on certain dates, which is usually shown on a sign at the court.

Is the net always up?

Not always. Depending on the local council, the net may be taken down in winter, overnight or outside the summer season. Some players bring their own net when the posts are in place.

Do I have to play barefoot?

It is the norm, and it gives better grip in sand. When the sand is very hot or cold, sand socks protect your feet without affecting your footing.

Can we play with more than two a side?

Yes. Official beach volleyball is two-a-side, but nothing stops you playing three or four a side on a public court. Rallies are easier for beginners.

Which ball should I use?

A beach volleyball is softer than an indoor ball, kinder on the forearms and better suited to the wind.

A court is missing from the map. How do I report it?

Suggest it on the “Suggest a facility” page: every suggestion is checked before it is published. In France, its owner can also declare it in the official Data ES database at equipements.sports.gouv.fr. Elsewhere, you can add it to OpenStreetMap.