Chair Volleyball Rules

Standard volleyball and chair volleyball share some similar rules; however, a variety of differences exist, such as how many points a team needs to win by (two in regular volleyball, three in chair volleyball). Chair volleyball is intended to reduce stress and boost self esteem and confidence in individuals who are not able to play standard volleyball. The game is especially popular amongst senior citizens.

  1. The Court

    • The court size for chair volleyball is 14-feet wide by 22-feet long, which is smaller than a standard volleyball court. The net is lower as well at five feet tall. The smaller court is designed for players to sit and play rather than run around. Twelve folding chairs are required: six on each side of the court. Each team has six players on the court at once; if a team has more, they can rotate players in and out so there are always six on the court. However, some chair volleyball facilities allow nine players on each side. The ball used to play chair volleyball is lightweight. Usually, a 20-inch beach ball is used, though sometimes balloons are used as well.

    Rules During Play

    • Teams have unlimited hits for returning the ball to the their opponents. A team just needs to get the ball over the net. In standard volleyball, teams must hit the ball over the net in three hits. Teams cannot catch and throw the ball; they must hit it over. Underhand or overhand hitting is allowed, and players can pass the ball to each other or hit it over the net. Players do not rotate to play every position as in standard volleyball. However, everyone gets a chance to serve the ball. The person who served last switches spots with the person who is up next to serve. Lastly, the players are not allowed to stand or move out of the chairs. If a player does come off the seat during play, it is a automatic point for the opponent’s team.

    Scoring

    • Chair volleyball, like standard volleyball, only allows scoring while serving. To earn a point, your team must serve the ball and win the volley. If your team wins a volley and the opponent served, no point is awarded, but your team gets the ball to serve. The server continues serving until the opposing team wins a point. The first team to score 15 points wins the game. Teams must win by three points, so sometimes a team is required to score more than 15 points to win a game.