Volleyball Court Regulations

Indoor volleyball matches between teams of six players and beach or sand matches between teams of two players are the only volleyball contests sanctioned by USA Volleyball, which governs the professional sport in the United States. While the courts for each type of game have many things in common, there are some differences because of both the playing surface and the number of players.

  1. Court Size

    • Indoor courts measure 59 feet long and 29 1/2 feet wide, so that the net divides the court into two 29 1/2-foot squares. There must be a free area on the outside of the court that measures at least 9 feet 10 inches on all sides, and there must be at least 23 feet of free space above the court.

      Sand courts measure 52 1/2 feet long and 26 1/4 feet wide, so that each side of the court is a 26 1/4-foot square. The free space requirements are the same as those of indoor play.

    Surface

    • According to USA Volleyball, indoor court surfaces "must be flat, horizontal, & uniform," must not have any obstructions or be slippery or rough--all of which could harm players--and must be light in color.

      Sand court surfaces must be as level as possible and the sand must be free of rocks, shells or any other items that might cause injury.

    Lines

    • On indoor courts, there are boundary lines around the court, a center line that runs parallel to and directly below the net, and a 10-foot line, meaning a line drawn parallel to the net and 10 feet back from it inside each side of the court. This is the line in front of which back-row players cannot attack the ball.

      On sand courts, the boundary lines must be of a contrasting color to the court surface so that they are quickly and easily recognizable. They may be made of rope or flexible, soft material. There is no center line or 10-foot line in beach volleyball because players are allowed to completely cross under the net to retrieve a ball as long as they do not interfere with the opposition, and they may attack from anywhere on their side of the court.

    Nets

    • Net regulations are the same for indoor and outdoor volleyball matches. Nets are 39 inches from top to bottom and between 31 1/2 and 33 feet long, depending on where the posts are placed. There are antennae on opposite ends of the net that must reach 32 inches higher than the top of the net.

      Net height is measured at the center of the net to the ground below. For men's matches, the net is set at 7 feet 11 5/8 inches; for women's, it is 7 feet 4 1/8 inches.