Written by: Lucas Mckeown.

As far as summer sports go, playing Beach Volleyball in the sun with friends and teammates is one of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather and have plenty of fun. Like most games, Beach Volleyball is fun when everyone knows the game and both teams can keep up a good rally. Compared to the indoor version, Beach Volleyball follows the same “bump, set, spike” method but also features an outdoor sand court with a lighter and larger ball. This allows for incorporating a wider range of skill compensation, ensuring everyone feels included and can enjoy themselves.

General Rules of the Game

You can play beach in multiple team sizes, such as 2v2, 4v4, and 6v6. Each team size changes the overall dynamic and play style of the game. Although the formation is different, each game follows the game format of “first to 25 points” with a win by two rule in place. Teams can only win one point at a time, with service rotating every five turns per team for recreational and intermediate teams. This allows everyone in our leagues to get involved and serve regardless of the skill level of either team.

Strategies for Beach Volleyball

Some general strategies involve being aware and focused. Unless playing competitive doubles, positions often rotate to give everyone a chance to play different roles. When positioned away from the net, be ready to receive the ball and bump it to your teammates. Additionally, when positioned at the net, be ready to receive the ball, set it for your teammates, or hit it over the net yourself. One key strategy is to have your hands ready to adapt in the moment, whether you need your arms together for a bump or around your head to make a set.

Open Hand Tipping

Players who contact the ball with one hand and are putting the ball over the net must avoid using an open hand to touch, tip, or dink the ball. Instead, we encourage players to cleanly hit the ball with the heel or palm (roll shot), with straight, locked fingers and a locked wrist (cobra), knurled fingers (camel toe), or with the back of the hand (locked wrist and locked fingers).

Register for our summer Beach Volleyball leagues here: Perpetual Motion Beach Registration