Sun, Sand, and Spikes: Your Fun Guide to Playing Beach Volleyball

Sep 03, 2025

Layla Flores

Summer, sun, and sand… what could be better than hitting the beach with friends and spiking some volleyballs over the net? Beach volleyball is not just fun—it’s a full-body workout, a social game, and an excuse to wear sunglasses while pretending you’re an athlete. But if you’ve never played before, the question arises: how do you actually play, and what do you need to get started? Let’s break it down.

The Basics of Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball is similar to indoor volleyball, but with a few key differences:

Team size: Usually 2 players per team (compared to 6 in indoor volleyball). This means you cover more sand with fewer hands—so get ready to run!
Court size: Smaller than indoor courts—16 meters long by 8 meters wide. The sand makes movement slower and jumping more challenging, adding a fun twist.
Scoring: Matches are typically played best of three sets, with sets up to 21 points (you must win by 2). The third set, if needed, goes to 15 points.
Contact rules: Each team is allowed up to 3 touches before the ball must go over the net. Blocking counts as one of the three touches.

In short: teamwork, agility, and quick thinking are key.

Essential Skills to Know

Before hitting the sand, it helps to understand some fundamental skills:

Serving: You can serve underhand or overhand. The goal is to get the ball over the net into the opponent’s court without them returning it.
Passing (Bumping): Usually your first touch after a serve or attack. Use your forearms to direct the ball accurately.
Setting: Typically your second touch, designed to set up your teammate for an attack (spike).
Attacking (Spiking): Jump and hit the ball downward with power into the opponent’s court.
Blocking: Jump at the net to stop an opponent’s attack, aiming to deflect the ball back into their side.

Gear and Equipment You’ll Need

Beach volleyball is relatively low-maintenance, but a few essentials will make the game smoother:

Volleyball: Make sure it’s an official beach volleyball—it’s slightly larger and lighter than indoor volleyball.
Net and poles: Most public beaches have them, but if you’re setting up your own game, a portable net works fine.
Sand-friendly attire: Swimsuits, shorts, tank tops, or moisture-wicking clothing are ideal. Forget sneakers—they sink in sand! Barefoot is the standard.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: Protect your eyes and skin from UV rays—sunburn is no fun.
Hydration: Bring plenty of water; sand + sun + running = major dehydration potential.

Optional but helpful:

Knee pads: For those dives and sandy falls.
Beach towel or mat: For resting between sets.

How to Prepare Physically

Beach volleyball is deceptively demanding. Moving on sand requires more effort than a gym floor, so a few prep tips can help:

Warm-up: Light jogging, dynamic stretches (leg swings, arm circles), and mobility exercises.
Strength training: Focus on legs, core, and shoulders to handle jumps, hits, and quick directional changes.
Cardio: Endurance matters—sand slows you down, and matches can be long.
Agility drills: Ladder drills, short sprints, or lateral shuffles improve quick movements on the sand.

Fun Tips for Beginners

Communication is key: With only 2 players per team, talk constantly. Call “mine” or “yours” and watch each other’s backs.
Start slow: Don’t worry about epic spikes at first. Master passing and setting to keep the rally going.
Expect sand everywhere: It’s inevitable. Embrace it—it’s part of the experience.
Play for fun: It’s a social game as much as it’s competitive. Enjoy the sun, laughs, and sometimes messy dives.

Final Thoughts

Beach volleyball is a blend of strategy, athleticism, and pure summer joy. Whether you’re playing competitively or just spiking with friends, the key is preparation: know the rules, get the right gear, and warm up those muscles. Then, dive in (literally) and enjoy the sun, sand, and adrenaline.

Remember: every great player started as a beginner. So grab a partner, bring water, slap on the sunscreen, and get ready to serve, bump, set, and spike your way to fun. The sand awaits.

P.S. If you’re new to the game, consider watching a few matches online or joining a local beginner-friendly league. You’ll pick up skills faster than you can say “ace!”