Volleyball is one of those sports that brings out the best in teamwork and skill. But if you’ve ever tried both beach volleyball and indoor volleyball, you know how they are worlds apart.
Both versions may seem similar at first, but some regulations make them different from each other.
As someone who played both forms of volleyball, I always get thought about a question: which is more difficult?
In this guide, we will discuss key differences between indoor and beach volleyball and talk which version of the game I found more challenging from my personal experiences.
Playing Environment
The most apparent difference between indoor and beach volleyball is the environment where the game is played.
Indoor volleyball is usually played indoors in a controlled arena with a hard court. The court can be made of wood or synthetic materials that ensure a smooth, consistent playing surface.
There are no natural elements such as the sun or wind to bear with. Instead, you have four walls, a roof, and air conditioning, making the job easier for the players to focus on the skills of the game.
The game is played outdoors on a sandy surface on the beach. Players have to face the vagaries of weather like wind, sun, and temperature. This is the reason teams switch the sides after every 7 points.
The softness of sand not only slows down movement but also affects how one jumps or run for the ball. The smaller court size in beach volleyball also increases the intensity of rallies, as there is less room for error.
Team Size: 6 vs. 2 Players
The size of the teams is another major difference. Traditionally, indoor volleyball has six players on each team, whereas beach volleyball has only two players on each team.
Indoor volleyball also often allows for multiple substitutions. That is to say, they can substitute players up to six times per set.
Each player has a specialized position: outside hitter, setter, libero, and middle blocker. The team size is larger, which can now create specialized roles and allow players to focus on particular areas of the game.
Beach volleyball is a much smaller team, usually consisting of two players on each side. This means that every player on the court must take on multiple roles, such as serving, receiving, setting, attacking, and defending.
There are no substitutions in beach volleyball, which places more physical and mental strain on the players. Every point depends on the performance of the two athletes, requiring excellent stamina and versatility.
Court Dimensions
Another significant difference in beach and indoor volleyball courts is their size and surface. The standard size of an indoor volleyball court is rectangular in shape, measuring 18m x 9m.
The indoor court is divided into two equal halves. There is an attack line 3 meters from the net on each side of the indoor court. During the indoor volleyball game, the back row players are required to stand behind the attack line when hitting the ball.
Beach volleyball court is much smaller compared to other categories, measuring 16m x 8m with no clear attack line. It is challenging on this small area since movement in sand is much harder than on a firm surface.
Scoring System
Both indoor and beach volleyball have different scoring systems, which affect how the game is played and how points are achieved.
Indoor volleyball is usually played best of five sets, with each set played to 25 points unless there is a fifth set, which goes to 15 points.
In indoor volleyball, a team must win 3 sets to win the game. In beach volleyball, the game is won by the first team to win 2 of the 3 sets.
Beach volleyball commonly uses rally scoring, where points can be won by either team after every rally. The matches are usually played best of three sets, with each set played to 21 points (with a two-point margin required to win). If the match goes to a third set, it is typically played to 15 points.
The Volleyball
Although both games are played with a volleyball, the balls used in each are designed specifically for their respective environments.
The indoor volleyballs are heavier and harder than the beach volleyballs. The balls have a tighter cover to preserve the ball shape in high-paced indoor play.
On the other hand, beach volleyballs are larger and softer compared to the indoor volleyballs with a flexible surface. This will enable it to be in better position while it is playing under outdoor conditions, and offers more control in the air, especially in the wind.
Dress Codes
Like other athletes, Indoor volleyball players typically wear jerseys, shorts, knee pads, and indoor court shoes. The footwear is designed to provide grip on a smooth court surface, helping players with quick direction changes.
Beach volleyball players wear more minimal clothing, typically tank tops or bikinis for women and shorts for men. This attire is chosen to cope with the heat and the sandy surface.
Additionally, players are barefoot, to make their grip on the sand. Some may choose to wear sand socks for added protection against hot sand or rough surfaces.
Rules
The rules of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball differ in several key areas, such as rotation, serve receive, and legal touches.
| Aspect | Indoor Volleyball | Beach Volleyball |
| Team Rotation | Players must rotate in a clockwise direction after winning the serve. Each player has a specific rotational position. | No formal rotation system. Players can move freely within their side of the court, but must alternate serving. |
| Libero | A libero is allowed and can play only in the back row. Liberos cannot serve, block, or attack above net height. | No libero position. Both players have to carry all types of plays- offense and defense. |
| Touches per Team | Each team is allowed to have a maximum of 3 touches to return the ball over the net. | Same as indoor volleyball: 3 touches per team. However, consecutive touches by the same player are only allowed during a block. |
| Court Boundaries | Players must stay within their designated positions during serves and rotations until the ball is served. | Players have no positional restrictions and can move freely within the court before and during the rally. |
Although beach volleyball and indoor volleyball have so many similarities, there are distinct differences that make them a different sport with different skills and tactics involved in each.
These differences show the way the game is played and the types of skills required for each. Whether on the sand or a court, both forms of volleyball offer exciting challenges to players and fans alike.