A versatile international and Olympic sport, volleyball uses different-size courts depending on the type of volleyball: indoor, beach or sitting. In competitive play, men and women play on the same courts, but men use a higher net.
Indoor Court
The indoor court measures 59 feet long and 29 feet, 6 inches wide for play in the Federation Internationale de Volleyball and USA Volleyball. The centerline that divides the court into two team courts, measures 2 inches wide. The team courts measure 29 feet, 6 inches long and 29 feet, 6 inches wide. The court sits within a building that has 23 feet unobstructed space between the floor and ceiling. The "USA Volleyball Rule Book" recommends a minimum of 6 feet, 6 inches open space for the "free zone" around the court where players enter the game.
Beach Court
For the Federation Internationale de Volleyball and Association of Volleyball Professionals, the beach court measures 52 feet, 5 inches long and 29 feet, 6 inches wide. The California Beach Volleyball Association uses a much smaller court. The CBVA sand court measures 18 feet long and 9 feet across. The recommended 6 feet, 6 inches free zone space, and 23 feet of unobstructed space between playing floor and ceiling apply to beach volleyball.
Net
For competitive play in indoor and in beach volleyball, the net stands 7 feet, 11 inches tall for men and 7 feet, 4 inches tall for women. Co-eds use the men's net. For boys, age 12 and younger, the net stands 7 feet tall. Girls 10 and younger play on a 6-foot, 6-inch-net. Boys age 13 and 14 play on a net 7 feet, 4 inches tall. After age 14, men use the standard court-size. Women use the standard court size after age 12. Males 55 years and older use a net standing 7 foot, 9 inches tall, while females 45 and older use a net standing 7 foot, 2 inches tall.
Sitting Volleyball
Sitting volleyball gives people who cannot stand a chance to play competitive volleyball. The sport also allows able-bodied athletes to play. The regulation sitting court measures 32 feet long and 19 feet, 8 inches wide. The centerline divides the court into two team courts measuring about 16 feet, 4 inches long and 19 feet, 8 inches wide. Men play on a net standing about 3 feet, 9 inches tall. The women's net stands about 3 feet, 3 inches tall.
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