How long do beach & indoor volleyball games last?

Volleyball is an exhilarating sport enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a spectator or a player, you might wonder how long a volleyball game lasts.

The answer, as you might expect, is not straightforward. In this article, we delve into the factors that affect how long volleyball games last for and the number of sets played.

Factors impacting volleyball sets played & game time

The number of sets played and hence how long a volleyball typically lasts for is dependent on several factors, including the type of volleyball, the level of play, and the competition’s rules:

Indoor vs. beach volleyball

Indoor and beach volleyball may seem similar, but there are key differences in the number of sets played and average game time. Indoor volleyball matches are typically played in a best-of-five sets format, while beach volleyball matches are played in a best-of-three sets format.

However, despite having fewer sets, beach volleyball games can last longer than indoor matches due to the nature of the sand surface and the smaller court size.

High school vs. college vs. pro indoor volleyball

Indoor volleyball has different rules and formats depending on the level of play, and high school, college and pro volleyball have their own distinct differences.

In high school volleyball, matches are typically played in a best-of-three sets format, and rallies are limited to three touches per side. There are also strict substitution rules and limitations on jump serving, making it a more controlled and structured game.

In college & pro volleyball, matches are played in a best-of-five sets format, and rallies are not limited in terms of touches per side. The game is also faster-paced and more aggressive, with fewer restrictions on substitutions and jump serving.

Competition rules & other variations

The Athletes Unlimited league is a professional indoor volleyball league in the United States that has a unique format compared to traditional volleyball leagues. Games in this league are always played to three sets with the winner being the team with the most points, not the most sets.

Typical volleyball points, sets & game time played

Let’s take a look at the typical statistics for indoor & beach volleyball, across high school, college and pro levels. Bear in mind that

Indoor volleyball