Five Key Differences Between Beach and Indoor Volleyball

Volleyball is of course one of the most played games on the planet with more organised leagues than any other sport. It’s also followed by close to 1 billion people. So it’s quite popular. The game features a number of variants, incidentally both of which feature in the Olympic Games: Beach and Indoor Volleyball. So how are these different? 

Surface

Ok, pretty obvious. While beach volleyball is played on sand, the indoor game plays out on a hardwood floor. The sand makes beach volleyball more physically demanding given its softer, more unstable surface. On the other hand, indoor volleyball requires more precision and finesse due to the slippery nature of the hardwood court.

Team Size

Indoor volleyball is typically played with six players on each team, while beach volleyball is played with only two players. The smaller number or players in the beach variant means that more ground has to be covered. This requires a different set of skills and strategies than those used in indoor volleyball.

Serving

The serve is another area where beach and indoor volleyball differ significantly. In indoor volleyball, players typically use a standing or jump serve. This requires the player to run-up and jump before making contact with the ball. In beach volleyball, however, players often use a float serve.  This is a low, hard serve that’s supposed to make it difficult for the receiver to handle. The difference in serving styles is down to the sand which makes it challenging for players to run up and jump. 

Scoring

The scoring system used in beach volleyball is also different from that used in indoor volleyball. In beach volleyball, the first team to reach 21 points wins the set provided they’ve got a minimum two-point advantage. If the score is tied at 20-20, the set continues until one team has a two-point advantage up to a maximum of 25 points. 

For indoor volleyball, the scoring system is a bit more complex. A set is played to 25 points but a team must win by two points. If the score is tied at 24-24, the set continues until one team has a two-point advantage, up to a maximum of 30 points. Additionally, indoor volleyball games are typically played as best-of-five sets, while in beach volleyball, matches operate on a best-of-three set format. 

The Ball

The ball used in beach volleyball is slightly larger and lighter than the indoor one. The beach version has a circumference of around 66-68 cm and weighs between 260-280 grams. It is also usually…