Unlike Volleyball with two teams of six players, Beach Volleyball is played by two players. The two teams of two players each must score points by placing the ball over (without touching) the net and into the opponent’s court. The ball can touch any part of the body and each team has three alternate hits between the two players to return the ball. Other rules are:
- Except for the World Championships, each tournament for each gender features a single-elimination qualifier and a 32-team double-elimination Main Draw. The World Championships will feature a 48-team Main Draw for each gender with pool play determining the lineup for the 32-team single-elimination draw.
- The match is won by the team that wins two sets.
- A set is won by the team that scores 21 points first with a minimum margin of two (except in the deciding third set).
In the case of a 20-20 tie, play is continued until a two-point lead is reached. In the case of the sets being tied 1-1, the deciding set is played to 15 points (not the usual 21) with a minimum lead of two points. - A team winning a rally scores a point — The Rally Point System.
- The serving player must be alternated every time there is a change in possession.
- There are NO determined positions on the court.
- Two players can touch the ball at the same time, but when two team mates do, it counts as two hits (except if blocking).
- If there is a «held ball» by two opponents over the net it is not considered a fault.
- A player may enter the opponent’s court provided they don’t interfere with the opponent’s play.
- A player cannot catch or throw the ball.
The game continues if a ball served by a player touches the net.
