How to Impress Your Friends at Beach Volleyball

During a volleyball match, players, on average, jump about 300 times.

Beach volleyball consists of two players on each side of the net (recreationally, you can play with up to six players). The court is smaller than a regulation-size indoor volleyball court.

Beach volleyballs are larger, softer and lighter than indoor ones.

During a match, players can use any part of their body to return the ball, including kicking the ball. However, throwing, holding and catching the ball during a match are not allowed. The only time a player may hold the ball is when they are serving.

‘Calling the Ball’ is absolutely necessary and will improve your odds of winning.

Players do not have any set positions and can stand anywhere they want on their side of the court, as long as they are in bounds.

Each team member will alternate serving. When the receiving team wins a point, they gain the right to serve.

A player can touch the ball two successive times only if the first touch came from an attempted block.
Beach volleyball consists of only three touches to return the ball and any ball hitting the ground will constitute a point.

The ball must be served from behind the service line and may be served overhand or underhand. If the ball touches the net on a serve, but goes into the opponent’s side of the court it is a live ball. The receiving team is not allowed to block or spike a served ball.

A match will consist of three sets; the first two sets are played to 21 points, and the last set is played to 15 points. After every 7 points in a set the teams will switch sides of the court. To win the match, a team must win two sets. The last set must be won by two points.

What is a ‘Standing Float Serve?’

A ‘Standing Float Serve’ can potentially yield big results. Hold the ball straight in front of you with your extended, non-dominant hand (so if right handed, your left hand). Stagger your feet vertically with your non-dominant foot forward. Your dominant arm is up in the air, ready to attack the serve. Toss the ball in the air just high enough so it goes just beyond your finger tips, if they were reaching as high as you can. Take a step with your dominant foot as your dominant hand powers through the center of the ball, at your highest contact point, with an open, flat hand. It’s like a high-five. The goal is to not put any spin on the ball while striking it. It will deceive opponents as it floats over the air.

When you post pics of your epic volleyball games, tag us too! #TheCapeCurrent

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