How to Construct a Beach Volleyball Court

Beach volleyball is an entertaining and competitive sport played on sand that some argue is the best type of volleyball in the world. Beach volleyball courts are commonly found outside, but they do not only exist on beaches. Many beach courts are constructed in parks, but you can also build your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Marking chalk
  • Shovel or backhoe
  • Perforated PVC pipe
  • Gravel
  • Landscape fabric or burlap
  • Sand
  • Cement
  • Galvanized metal support poles for the net (typically 11 to 16 feet in length)
  • Volleyball net
  • Rope or fabric tape for lines
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the area. Professional beach volleyball courts are 26 feet, 3 inches a square, per side, equating to a total area of 52 feet 6 inches by 26 feet 3 inches for the full court. Outline the boundary of the court with chalk or another marking device.

    • 2

      Dig out the court area with a shovel or backhoe, reaching a depth of 3 feet. Add a drainage ditch that leads away from the lowest point in the court. Lay perforated PVC drainage pipe across the low point inside the court. Cap the high end inside the court and leave the low end that leads to the drainage ditch uncapped. This allows water to drain off the court.

    • 3

      Put down a 1-foot deep layer of smooth gravel, which also serves as part of the drainage system. Cover this layer with burlap or landscape fabric to prevent sand from washing through into the base gravel. Now pour in the sand to fill the remaining 2-3 feet of depth.

    • 4

      Dig holes just outside the boundary along the line that marks the midpoint of the court. The holes should be at least 3 feet deep. Cement the galvanized metal support poles in place.

    • 5

      Connect the net to the support poles. Net heights are as follows: 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches for men, 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches for women. If you play co-ed, the general rule is to use the men's net height. After the net is in place, use tape or rope to precisely mark the boundaries of the court.