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Tired of the usual indoor volleyball game you've been playing with your friends in covered courts all this year or just itching to try something new. Then beach volleyball is just right for. For the... |
Tired of the usual indoor volleyball game you’ve been playing with your friends in covered courts all this year or just itching to try something new. Then beach volleyball is just right for. For the past years, this variation has gain popularity all over the world, may it be as a recreational or a competitive sport. It has also been a favorite choice for vacationers worldwide that love both the sport and the beach alike.
An Introduction to Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a team sport and a popular recreational activity played on many beaches around the world, generally, in areas with wide sandy beaches. It has evolved from the popular indoor volleyball yet the two sports remain very similar with some minor differences.
It originates in Santa Monica, California in the 1920s. Ten years later, it started to appear in Europe. An attempt to initiate a professional volleyball league was made in the 1960s in Santa Monica, however, it failed. In 1960, the first Manhattan Beach Open in Southern California was held. It was then known as the “Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball,” which is the most prestigious tournament of beach volleyball in the world.
Rules of the Game
Both indoor and beach volleyball consists of two opposing teams situated on opposite side of a rectangular court that is being divided by a net. The goal is for players on each team to hit a volleyball using either the arms or hands over the net in order for the ball to touch the ground inside the court borders of the opponent’s court, at the same time prevent the ball from reaching the ground of their own side of the court.
A team gains points by grounding the ball on the court of the opponent or when the opposite team commits a fault or an illegal action is done. The maximum number of contact with the ball is no more than three times before it crosses the net. However, consecutive contacts must be done by different players of the same team.
Minor Differences to Consider
The most significant differences between the two variations of volleyball are the team size and the playing surface. In the official rule book of the game, only two players are allowed on each team, but in recreational or non-competitive games it often have more players. The playing surface is deep sand in beach volleyball rather than hard floor, which is used in indoor volleyball.
The game is played on a volleyball court 16 meters long and 8 meters wide. Each half of the volleyball court measures 8 x 8 meters while indoor courts are slightly larger measuring 9 meters. The court is divided by a one-meter wide net. There is no 3 meter line that is usually seen in indoor volleyball as an attack line.
In Beach volleyball it is officially permitted to cross under the net as long as doing so does not meddle with the opponents’ attempt to play the ball. Rotating positions are not required they must alternate service, but there are no “rotation errors.” There are also no substitutions or libero in the game. Most players, either by requirement of the rules or by choice, play the game barefoot. And the ball is even softer due to lower internal pressure and slightly bigger than that of an indoor volleyball.
The match is over when a team wins two sets. The first team to reach 21 points with a 2-point advantage won the first two sets. A third set is necessary if a tie occur. The first team to reach 15 points with a 2-point advantage won the third set.
Beach of choice
In choosing for the best beach to play beach volleyball, you must consider the number of courts (at least 3 courts) including the height net and the work-up.
Florida offers top beaches for volleyball. In Deerfield Beach, you can find 5 courts. In Sarasota, it has courts as well as probably the prettiest beaches in the world. While in Yankee Clipper in Fort Lauderdale, there are 8 work-up courts to choose from.
California, also a seaside city, is another great spot for beach volleyball. You can choose from any beaches of Santa Monica or at Huntington Beach, although it lacks the cohesive element of locals that party, surf and play the game together.