The Beach Rules Explained

Beach rules are slightly different from the Indoor rules, the main points are:

• Best of three sets, rally point scoring to 21 points in sets 1 & 2, 15 in set 3 (all sets by two clear points).
• Smaller court, 8m x 16m.
• Change ends every 7 points, every 5 in set 3.
• Only one 30 second timeout per set.
• Maximum of 12 seconds between the end of one rally and the start off the next.
• The server has 5 seconds to serve the ball after the referee has blown for services.
• A player may not complete an attacking hit by directing the ball with the fingers e.g. open-handed tip or dink.
• The block counts as a touch, when both teams contact the ball above the net, its call a joust and both teams has three more touches.
• Any player may play the second touch after a block attempt.
• Any sets over the net must be played perpendicular to the shoulders (including reverse sets).
• Sets, which accidentally go over the net (due to the wind etc), which have been played to the hitter, are also allowed.
• There is no centre or attack line.
• A player can not use any outside assistance or support to play a shot.
• Screening (even with one player) is not allowed, the opposition can ask you to move before involving the referee.
• The sand must be at least 40cm deep.
• Play can continue in the rain.
• Either player may speak to the referee.
• No substitutions.
• No positional faults.
• When two team mates touch the ball simultaneously, it is counted as two hits.
• The interval between each set is 1 minute.