Indoor vs Beach Volleyball - what are the differences?
Indoor volleyball and indoor volleyball are variations of the same sport, but they have several key differences. The obvious difference is th eplaying surface (hence the name) and the number of players.
Comparing Volleyball
| Element | Indoor Volleyball | Beach Volleyball |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Players | 6 players per team | 2 players per team |
| Court Size | 18m x 9m | 16m x 8m |
| Playing Surface | Hardwood or synthetic indoor court | Sand |
| Ball Size | Smaller and harder than a beach volleyball ball. It has a circumference of 65-67cm (25.5-26.5"), a weight of 260–280g | Larger and softer to account for outdoor play. It has a circumference of 66-68cm (26-27"), a weight of 260–280g |
| Ball Material | Usually made of leather | made of water resistant material |
| Scoring System | Best of 5 sets (first to 25 points, final set to 15) | Best of 3 sets (first to 21 points, final set to 15) |
| Player Specialization | Specialized positions (e.g., setter, libero) | No specialization; both players must perform all roles |
| Net Height (Men) | 2.43m (7'11") | 2.43m (7'11") |
| Net Height (Women) | 2.24m (7' 4") | 2.24m (7' 4") |
| Substitutions | Unlimited substitutions | No substitutions allowed |
| Environment | Indoor, climate-controlled | Outdoor, weather can be a factor |
| Attire | Athletic jerseys, shorts, knee pads | Tank tops, shorts or bikinis |
| Serving | Jump serves and spin serves common | Float serves more common due to sand surface |
| Touch Limit | 3 touches per side | 3 touches per side |
| Blocking | If the ball contacts the block it is not counted as a hit and the team still has three hits to return the ball. | A block counts as a touch |
| Defense Strategy | Teams can have a libero (a defensive specialist who is not allowed to serve or rotate to the front line) | No libero; both players must defend equally. |
| Weather Impact | No weather impact (controlled environment) | Wind, sun, and other elements can affect play |
| Physical Conditioning | Endurance and explosive movement | Endurance with more emphasis on agility in the sand |
| Coaching | Coaches are allowed during game and can give instructions. | No coaching allowed during the game |
| Popularity | Popular worldwide, especially in schools and colleges | More popular in coastal and outdoor sports settings |
Related Pages
- Volleyball Home
- Beach v Indoor — compare the physical demands of these two similar sports.
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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