Volleyball Court Dimensions: Essential guide

The game of volleyball evolved from a combination of basketball and badminton. A game that has grabbed the hearts of people, a game that has been passionate and energetic for many years. Due to its fast-paced action, exciting rallies, and strategic gameplay volleyball provides viewers with an exciting gaming experience. Also, the popularity of beach volleyball has taken the sport to the next level. It is vital to know the volleyball court in detail, but before that, let’s learn some about the basics of volleyball.  

The Basics of Volleyball 

For all volleyball players or viewers, from beginners to aspiring pros, knowing the rules is essential. Therefore, in order to score points, two teams on a divided court must hit a ball over the net in this fast-paced team sport. To win, players must tactically cooperate with one another to stop the ball from falling on their side. In addition, reflexes, agility, communication, and strategy are essential for success.

Dimensions of Volleyball court

Two teams of six players each participate in the sport of volleyball. Additionally, you can play volleyball more effectively and wisely if you are aware of the length and width of the court. The court dimensions of volleyball are as follows,

Indoor Volleyball

• Dimensions: The length of the volleyball court is 18 m long by 9 m wide. For instance, the free zone, which is at least 7 m above the court and 3 m wide, surrounds it. The free zone is at least 5 m on the sides and 8 m on the ends for FIVB competitions. 7 m is still the minimum height above the court.
• Playing surface: The playing surface is flat and light in color. The only surfaces allowed for FIVB competitions are wooden or synthetic. Moreover, one should draw lines in white color. Also, the free zone and playing court are marked by other different colors.
• Line markings: The light-colored lines on the court are 5 cm wide. The boundary lines are the two side lines and end lines. The middle line divides the court into two 9 M x 9 M squares. Lastly, the attack line defines the front zone on both sides, situated 3 m below the centre line.
• Zones and areas: The centre line’s axis and the attack line’s back edge define the boundaries of the front zone on each court. Also, the front zone continues to the end of the free zone past the side lines.
  • The service zone stretches to the edge of the free zone and is 9 meters wide behind each end line. It extends to the side lines and is 15 cm long, drawn 20 cm behind the end line. 
  • Starting from both offensive lines and ending at the scorer’s table is the substitution zone. 
  • The Libero Replacement Zone, which stretches from the attack line to the finish line, is a portion of the free zone on the same side as the team benches.
  • A penalty area, 1 m x 1 m, is located in the control area outside of the end lines. 
• Nets and posts: Men’s volleyball net heights are 2.43 m, while women’s net heights are 2.24 m, measured from the court’s center. The black 10 cm square mesh, composed of it, measures 1 m wide and numbers from 1 to 10 m in length. Flexible fiberglass antennae, 1.8 m long with a 10 mm diameter and red and white stripes, mark the sideline borders and extend 80 cm above the net. Lastly, outside the court are 2.55 m tall, rounded, wire-free posts.

Beach Volleyball

• Dimensions: A 16 m  x 8 m measurement of volleyball court has a minimum 3 m safety zone surrounding it. The height of the open playing space above the playing surface is 7 m.
• Playing surface: The surface of the volleyball court is level, uniformly fine sand free of hazards like rocks and shells.

• Line markings: Two end lines and two side lines mark the boundary. The center line does not exist.
• Zones and areas: A free zone and a service zone surround the court. The 8 m wide service zone is located behind the finish line and stretches to the 3 m wide free zone’s boundary.
• Nets and posts: Over the middle of the court, the net is vertical. The height of the net is 2.43 m for men and 2.24 m for women. The net’s height for juniors is as follows:
  • 16 and under: 2.24 m
  • 14 and under: 2.12 m
  • 12 years and under – 2.00m
  • When the net is taut, its dimensions are 8.5 m x 1 m. The mesh measures 10 cm square, with two horizontal white bands that are 7–10 cm broad at the top and bottom.

Sitting Volleyball

For a sitting match, an outdoor volleyball court’s usual dimensions are 10 m x 6 m.

Nine-man Volleyball

The 33 ft long by 33 ft wide outdoor volleyball court serves as the venue for the nine-man match. With a height of 7 ft, 8.5 in, the net is higher.

Lines of the volleyball court

The net’s position is one of the most vital foundations of a volleyball court that acts as a partition between the two teams. Consequently, the authorities standardize its height and placement to ensure fair gameplay.

• Standard Net Height: Firstly, there are 2.43 m for men’s volleyball nets and 2.24 m for women. It’s not overly tight, just sufficiently firm to prevent balls from sliding.

• Net Placement: The poles hold the net in place, dividing the court in half for stability. Additionally, it is centered on the court.
• Boundary Lines and Markings: Players draw distinct boundary lines on the court to show different play zones. These lines consist of end, sidelines, attack, and centre lines. Specifically, each line has a unique role in the game, helping players know where to stand and move on the court.
• End Lines: Running lengthwise along the court, the end lines indicate the boundaries at both ends. Hence, players must serve the ball from the end lines, and it should land there for fair gameplay.
• Sidelines: Similarly, the sidelines run horizontally across the court’s width, marking the edges on both sides. They decide whether a ball is within play when it crosses these lines.
• Centreline: The centreline separates the court into two equal parts and goes under the net. Additionally, it acts as a guide for players, indicating where to stand and move on the court.
• Attack Lines: Finally, the attack lines are positioned 3 m (9.8 feet) away from the centreline on both sides. These lines prevent players from hitting or attacking the ball when standing close to the net, ensuring a level playing field and safety.

Size of the volleyball court

The official volleyball court sizes are as follows:

• Court: 18 m long and 9 m wide
• Center: 9 m; 9 m halves by a 1 m
• Top of the Net: 2.43 m 
• Center Line: 5 m
• Serving Arena: 3 m

Volleyball Rules and Scoring

Volleyball rules are not too complicated to understand. Specifically, the following rules regulate how the game is played:

• Each squad must consist of six players, three of whom must be in the front row and three in the rear.
• The ball should be served behind the end line.
• A player is not allowed to hit the ball twice in a row.
• Rally scoring is used in this game.
• The winning team has to win by a margin of two points as the game is played to 25 points.
• It is not allowed to carry, palm, or toss the ball.

Searching for a volleyball court near you?

Are you looking for a volleyball court near you? So, Playo is the app for you! Download the Playo app and search for the nearest volleyball courts. Also, learn the dimensions and rules from the blog, and connect with sports enthusiasts like you! Make playpals, and share your knowledge of volleyball courts with them. 

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