The International Federation of Volleyball was founded in 1947. This organization continues to serve as the governing body for the sport of volleyball, providing standardized rules and specifications for volleyball courts. USA Volleyball follows all FIVB rules regarding court dimensions, except in specifically noted instances.
The Court
The volleyball court measures 29 feet, 6 inches long and 59 feet wide. A net divides the court into two equal parts, each measuring 29 feet, 6 inches in length and width. The court's sidelines and end lines, drawn within the court's dimensions, count as in-bounds.
Court Zones
An attack line on each side of the court separates the front zone from the back zone. The attack line runs parallel to the net and end lines and 9 feet, 10 inches from the net. The attack line belongs to the front zone. Players in back-row positions cannot attack the ball in the front zone while the ball remains above the net.
Free Space
Volleyball courts must have a certain amount of free space around the playing area. FIVB rules require that courts have a minimum of 9 feet, 10 inches of free space on all sides. Courts used in FIVB world competitions must have at least 16 feet, 4/10 inches of free space on the sides and at least 26 feet, 3/10 inches on the ends. USAV rules require less free space. Courts used in USAV competition must have a minimum of 6 feet, 6-3/4 inches of free space on all sides.
Beach Volleyball Court
The standard beach volleyball court is slightly shorter and narrower than the indoor volleyball court. Beach volleyball courts must measure 26 feet, 3 inches wide and 52 feet, 6 inches long, according to FIVB rules. The beach volleyball court does not have attack lines. FIVB rules require that beach volleyball courts have at least 9 feet, 10 inches of free space on all sides. Courts used in World Competition must have between 16 feet, 5 inches and 19 feet, 8 inches of free space on all sides, according to FIVB rules.
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