The competitive sport of volleyball can be played indoors or outdoors, with beach volleyball perhaps the most popular variation. While traditional volleyball features six players per side, the fluid nature of the game allows for a reduction in the number of participants without a significant loss in quality of play. One common variation is four-on-four volleyball, which sees a few minor rule changes to accommodate two fewer players.
Court
Despite the reduction in participants, four-on-four volleyball typically uses the same size court that traditional indoor volleyball uses, which is 30 feet by 60 feet. Of course, depending on the league or organization, the court size may be reduced. For example, a beach volleyball court size of 26.25 feet by 58 feet may be adopted.
Positions
In four-on-four volleyball, there are no set positions. Players don't have to remain in the front row or back row. They're allowed to roam wherever they want during play and cover as much ground as possible.
Service
As with all forms of volleyball, four-on-four volleyball begins with serving the ball over the net. The server must stand with both feet behind the back boundary line. The ball may be served overhand, underhand or sidearm, and any portion of the hand may be used to strike the ball. The opposing team is not allowed to attack or block a serve at the net. Each player on the team must take a turn serving, with service changing after every failed point.
Game Play
Once the ball is served, the receiving team must return serve in no more than three hits. Play continues in such a fashion, with a three-hit limit on each side, until the ball touches the ground, either in the field of play or out of bounds. No individual player is allowed to hit the ball twice in a row. The only exception is on blocks. A block does not count as a hit. Players must play the ball with their hands or forearms, although if the ball touches a player anywhere above the waist, it's considered a legal touch.
Scoring
Games are generally played to 25, with two games out of three required to win a match. For quicker contests, rally scoring may be used. Rally scoring awards a point on every ball, regardless of which team is serving. Aside from landing a ball in the opponent's court, points may also be awarded for such common fouls as hitting the ball out of play, hitting the ball twice or for catching, carrying or throwing the ball.
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