If you are an enthusiast in this sport, beach volleyball would obviously excite you more than indoor volleyball, especially with the approach of summer. Hence, we will disclose what you need to know about indoor volleyball vs beach volleyball.
The main difference between beach volleyball and indoor volleyball obviously comes down to their locations. While indoor volleyball is played under a roof on a court, beach volleyball is played outside on a sandy beach court. In addition, the court size, gear, number of players, positions, scoring methods, and rules also differ accordingly.
So, if you ever wondered how beach volleyball and indoor volleyball differ from each other, we have all the answers to your questions right here. Scroll down to learn more!
Indoor Volleyball Vs Beach Volleyball- The Difference Explained
Both beach and indoor volleyball are equally popular among volleyball fanatics around the world. As we all know, the apparent difference between the two would be the locations where these two types take place.
So, what’s more? Check out this table below for a better idea.
| Beach Volleyball | Indoor Volleyball | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Played (Outdoor) on the beach on the sand. | Played indoors with a roof where there is enough space to engage in a sport (volleyball courts, school gymnasium, stadium, etc.) |
| Rules | It has the same basic rules that indoor volleyball consists of | Indoor volleyball rules and beach volleyball are the same. |
| Skills | Serving Setting Passing Digging Attacking Blocking | Serving Setting Passing Digging Attacking Blocking |
| Number of Players | – Two players on each side (beach volleyball players are generally free to move around and cover more area) | – There are six players per team on the court. – Each player has a specific role. – They can substitute players up to six times per set. |
| Positions of The Players | – There are no technical positions since there are only two players on each side of the net. – Each person ought to be able to block, dig, set, and hit at any time. – When the opposite team wins a point, they get the right to serve. – The serving player must be rotated every time this happens. | – Unlike in beach volleyball, there are six different positions aligned for each player in indoor volleyball. – The role potential of each position is the ultimate success of the team. – Rightside Hitter (Opposite hitter), Setter, Middle Blocker, Left Side Hitter (Outside hitter), Defensive Specialist, Libero are the six positions. |
| Court Difference | – Courts are smaller than indoor courts. – The standard size is 16m x 8m. – No parallel attack line is available so that the players can hit from anywhere on their side of the net. | – Courts are bigger than beach volleyball courts. – Indoor courts are 18m x 9m in size, with a parallel attack line that is 3m off the centerline. – Back-row players should stay behind this line when hitting the ball. |
| Playing surface | – The sandy surface facilitates the players to dive and dig more effortlessly as the sand is softer than a hard surface in an indoor stadium. – Can play with socks or without shoes. | – Hard and solid. – Players can move around, jump high up and land with a better grip on the ground. – Shoes are considered mandatory. |
| Ball Difference | Balls are light in weight, softer, and bigger ( the lighter weight lets them hover more in the air, enabling skilled players to utilize the wind to their benefit) | Balls are made of leather and much heavier than beach volleyballs. |
| Gear | – Knee pads are essential. – Water bottle (more water will be needed since players sweat more due to the sun exposure) – Sweat towel – Uniforms are worn if playing for a team. – Swimsuits or comfortable apparel are usually worn. – Eye protectors – Sun Screen or UV protection creams/ ointments/powders etc – Shoes are not typically used in beach volleyball as players find it easy barefoot. | – Knee pads are usually worn. – Water bottle – Sweat towel – Ankle brace – Knee brace – Athletic clothing (snug T-shirt jerseys, tight and very short spandex bike shorts, sleeveless jersey tops, basketball-style shorts above the knee) – Good quality shoes for a better grip. |
| Scoring Methods | – Beach volleyball matches include a sequence of best-of-three games, with each game played to score 21 points. – Two sets win the game, and the third tiebreaker set, if required, is also played to 15 points. – However, one team has to win by two points in indoor and beach volleyball. | – A match is built up of five sets or games. The first team to achieve 25 points wins the set. – Three sets win the match, and the fifth tiebreaker set, if needed, is only played to score 15 points. – Teams swap sides after every game. – However, one team has to win by two points in indoor and beach volleyball. |
| Weather | Weather can have an impact on the game. And could have interruptions from excessive sunlight, wind, or rain. | – No significant weather interruptions would impact indoor volleyball since it is played inside. – Players are more protective from unpredictable weather conditions than beach volleyball. |
Which Is Better- Beach Volleyball Or Indoor Volleyball?
Both beach volleyball and indoor volleyball are good in their own ways to those who love playing this sport. In fact, no type is superior to the other. The only thing is, they are way very different from each other, just as we showed you from the table above.
Moreover, if you are someone who’s still schooling, we suggest that the best way to start this sport would be engaging in indoor volleyball since playing on the beach could be a bit challenging. And, you have the ability to reach the national level and even Olympic Games from both indoor and beach volleyball.
Therefore, children and those who like to play inside a court with a more protective environment and better-gripped ground would find indoor volleyball better than beach volleyball. But, those who discover it more recreational and adventurous to play outside on a beach will find beach volleyball better than indoor volleyball. Thus, it depends on the way that each person would see each type.
Is The Setting In Beach Volleyball Different Than Indoor?
The general setting of both forms do not have major differences. But, beach volleyball courts are smaller than indoor volleyball courts and do not have an attack line. And, while indoor volleyball teams consist of six players with six different positions, each beach volleyball team only has two players.
In addition to this, beach volleyball set up usually include chairs, tables, tents and water coolers by the side of the playing area. And, indoor volleyball has a regular indoor sport set up including a bench for the players.
Volleyball takes a lot of hard work and dedication just like any pro sport. Especially for beach volleyball, you don’t have to be tall or as fast as other sports. You just have to have the skills
Misty May Treanor
Summing Up Indoor Volleyball Vs Beach Volleyball…
Both of these forms of this sport are loved and embraced by millions of people around the globe. Indoor volleyball vs beach volleyball consists of some significant differences as well as some similarities.
However, apart from the differences that they have in their locations, team formation, positions, gear, ball, and scoring system, both of these types are often prioritized for their own characteristics.
