Although the rules of volleyball are somewhat intricate, the materials required to play the game are relatively simple: All you need is an open space, a net and a volleyball. If you want to play the game according to the official rules, specific guidelines dictate the proper size of the court, net and ball. The proper height of volleyball nets depends on the age and gender of the players.
Regulation Height
According to the United States Olympic Committee, the height of the volleyball net is 7 feet 11 5/8 inches for men and 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for women. However, the height can be changed for certain age groups. For example, 15- and 16-year-olds can use a net set at the same height as a woman's net, those 13 and 14 can play on a net set at 6 feet 11 1/2 inches, and players 12 and under can use a height of 6 feet 6 ¾ inches. The net height should be measured from the center of the court. Both ends of the net must be equal height and no more than 3/4 inch higher than the center of the net. In coed games, the net should be at the men's height.
Court and Ball Specifications
Along with the net height, a variety of other regulations dictate the playing court of a volleyball game. The entire indoor court should be roughly 59 feet by 29 feet 6 inches. The beach volleyball court is 52 1/2 by 26 1/4 feet. The volleyball must have a circumference of 25.5 to 27 inches and a weight of 9 to 10 oz. The internal pressure of the ball should be 4.3 to 4.6 lbs. per square inch.
Considerations
If you are setting up a volleyball court for recreational use at home, following these strict guidelines is unnecessary. Instead, refer to the guidelines to get a basic idea of the proper net height. Then alter the height to best match your family's needs. For example, if children will mostly use the volleyball net, you might choose to lower the height. If the adults using the volleyball net are particularly short or tall, you also might choose to adjust the height as necessary.
Fun Fact
When volleyball was invented in 1895, the net was only 6 feet 6 inches high. At the time, volleyball players simply borrowed the shorter tennis nets for use during their games. In 1906, the net was raised to 7 feet 6 inches.
References
- United States Olympic Committee: Domestic Competition Regulations
- Volleyball Training Ground: The Proper Volleyball Net Height Is Critical To Playing Consistent, Good Volleyball
- History Of Volleyball: History of Volleyball - How the Volleyball Rules Changed
- Todd's Volleyball Page: Volleyball Court Specs and Info
- Sports Unlimited: Rules of Volleyball
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