Indoor Vs. Beach Volleyball

 

Whether you're living in sunny California or spending the winters in Arizona, the volleyball craze never ceases. But choosing how and where to play the game can be somewhat perplexing, so here's a side-by-side comparison of indoor volleyball games with outdoor volleyball games, i.e. beach volleyball.

This article will take you through seven major differences between the two gaming styles to help you pick what type you'd enjoy more.

1. Not All Volleyballs Are Made The Same

Because of the differences in atmosphere between the indoors and out, volleyballs used for indoor games versus beach ones are different in size and material. Typically, beach volleyballs are made to be lighter and softer in comparison and slightly bigger to move between the two teams easily.

On the other hand, indoor volleyballs are made using leather and are generally heavier. This is done purposely as heavier balls move with more power, making them ideal for an indoor court environment.

2. Size Of The Team

Beach volleyball usually has 2 players, one on each side, with no option of substituting players. Players aren't allowed to exit the game until it ends and don't get benched. But with indoor volleyball, each team has 6 players that are allowed to change players 6 times in a set.

Regardless, beach and indoor volleyball players go through quite the physical workout while playing.

 

3. How's The Weather?

Beach volleyball players must deal with whatever temperature and humidity there is on the day of the match and contend with sand and other debris. However, matches should always be held keeping the safety of the players in mind. Indoor volleyball games have none of these concerns. With four walls, a ceiling, and climate control, indoor players get a much more controlled atmosphere to play in.

4. Score! Oh, Wait...

Indoor matches normally consist of five sets, with a total of 25 points that can be earned to win the game. Each time a set finishes, the teams are required to switch sides. To win, you'll need to win three of those sets, and if there's a tie, the last set is kept at 15 points.

But in a beach game, you'll have three sets that consist of 21 points per set. Two sets win the match, and just like indoor matches, the third set goes down to 15 points to become the tie-breaker. 

5. Requesting Time-Outs

In both games, time-outs last 30 seconds. But that's where the similarities end here. In an indoor volleyball game, you can only ever ask for a time-out twice. In the situation where the leading team is in sets one and four while being at the 8th and 16th point marks, they will, by default, receive 2 time-outs, each for 60 seconds.

Within beach volleyball games, you can request to stop playing during the match, but the official number of time-outs you can get is just one. The only exception to this rule is when the score reaches 21 points, which is when a 30-second time-out is granted. However, this exception only applies in sets one and two, for in the third set no time-outs are allowed.

6. How Big Is The Court?

A lesser obvious difference but an important one is that of court size. An indoor volleyball court is 1 meter wider and 2 meters longer than a standard beach volleyball court. You might think that, in the grand scheme of things, how will this make any difference to the players? But in practice, it certainly does.

The extra three feet can be useful in indoor volleyball to place shots carefully but isn't needed in beach volleyball, given that only two players are on the field.

 

7. What's The Verdict On Tipping?

In indoor volleyball matches, you are allowed to tip the ball over the net using your fingers. But beach volleyball categorizes it as an illegal move. Players cannot tip the ball across the net. All they're allowed to use is their palms, the back of their hand, or interlaced fingers.

Whether you choose to play outdoors or indoors, you'll need top-quality equipment that improves your game experience. So get yourself a custom, portable volleyball net system that you can set up anywhere you'd like to play. You can also use the system for games other than volleyball, such as badminton and tennis. Place your orders online for support accessories such as rackets and sports bags.