In volleyball, teams of six players each stand on a rectangular court divided in half by a net. Players work together to return the ball over the net in three hits or fewer, attempting to win points by hitting the ball to the floor on the opposing team's side of the court. Volleyball courts used in competition must meet certain specifications set by the International Volleyball Federation, or FIVB. USA Volleyball, the governing body for the sport in this country, follows all FIVB rules except where specifically noted.
Playing Area
Volleyball courts used in competition must measure 59 feet long and 29 feet, 6 inches wide, according to FIVB and USA Volleyball rules.
Court Lines
All of the volleyball court's boundary lines must be drawn within the court's dimensions. The lines count as in bounds. An attack line runs parallel to the net and 9 feet, 10 inches from the net on each side of the court. This line separates the front zone from the back zone. The attack line belongs to the front zone.
Free Zone
A free zone must surround the volleyball court's playing area. FIVB and USA Volleyball rules require free zones of different lengths and widths. FIVB rules require courts to have a free zone that extends at least 9 feet, 10 inches on all sides. For FIVB world competitions, courts must have a free zone that extends 16 feet, 2/5 inch on the sides and 26 feet, 3/10 inches on the ends. USA Volleyball rules require courts to have a free zone that extends at least 6 feet, 6 3/4 inches on all sides.
Comparison
The volleyball court is shorter than the standard tennis court, but wider than a singles tennis court. The standard tennis court measures 78 feet long for singles and doubles and 27 feet wide for singles. The doubles tennis court is wider than the volleyball court, however, at 36 feet wide. The volleyball court is longer and wider than the badminton court, which measures 44 feet long, 20 feet wide for doubles matches and 17 feet wide for singles matches.
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