Outdoor volleyball -- commonly referred to as beach or sand volleyball -- is a summer Olympic sport for men and women that involve two teams consisting of two players. Similar to other Olympic sports, the outdoor volleyball court has specific dimensions for the playing area, net, boundary markers and surface.
Playing Area
The playing area for an Olympic-sized outdoor volleyball court includes the interior playing court along with the free zone surrounding the court. The actual playing court is a rectangle measuring 16 m long by 8 m wide. This playing court is one meter narrower and 2 m shorter in length than indoor volleyball courts. The free zone surrounding the court is a minimum of 3 m wide and must be free of any obstructions for a minimum of 7 m.
Lines
The playing court is marked by specific lines. The lines make up the two end lines and two sidelines with no centerline. All lines are 5 to 8 cm wide in a color that contrasts the color of the sand. The lines are placed inside the dimensions of the playing court.
Net
The net height on an Olympic-sized outdoor volleyball court varies for men and women competitions. Women have a net height of 2.24 m while the men's net measures 2.43 m. The net is always 8.5 m long and is placed vertically over the center of the court. Horizontal bands of canvas are sewn on the top and bottom of the net so the players and referees can easily see the net. Flexible rod antennas are placed vertically on the outer edge of each side of the net.
Surface
The playing surface on an Olympic-sized outdoor volleyball court must be made from leveled sand that is flat and uniform. The sand must be at least 40 cm deep of fine, loosely compacted sand. The sand must be free of rocks, shells or any other substance that could potentially injure the players.
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