A volleyball court is divided into different zones, each of which serves a specific purpose, and a free zone surrounds the playing court. An indoor court's zones are slightly different than a sand court's zones. In order to be effective, a volleyball player needs to be aware of all the zones--and the lines that separate them--during game play.
Playing Area
A net is hung over the center of the an indoor volleyball playing court, dividing it into two equal courts. The playing court measures 59 feet by 29 feet, 6 inches. It is surrounded by a free zone, which measures at least 9 feet, 10 inches on all sides. The free playing space above the court must be free of obstruction and at least 23 feet in height from the surface of the court.
A sand volleyball court's dimensions are 52 feet, 6 inches by 26 feet, 3 inches. Like an indoor court, it is surrounded by a free zone of at least 9 feet, 10 inches on all sides, with a free playing space above the court that is free of obstruction and at least 23 feet high.
Lines
Two sidelines and two end lines mark the playing court in indoor volleyball. The center line divides the playing court into two equal courts (measuring 29 feet, 6 inches by 29 feet, 6 inches each). The attack line is drawn 9 feet, 10 inches from the middle of the center line.
In sand volleyball, two sidelines and two end lines mark the playing court.
Indoor Court Zones
The front zone extends from the middle of the center line to the back of the attack line. The back zone extends from the end line to the back of the attack line. A back-row player may complete an attack hit from anywhere in the back zone.
The service zone is the area behind the end line and between "the extensions" of the two sidelines. It measures to the end of the free zone. A player may stand anywhere in the service zone when completing a serve to put the ball into play.
The substitution zone measures from the extensions of the attack line to the scorers' table.
Sand Court Zones
The playing court includes everything inside and on top of the sidelines and end lines.
The service zone is the area behind the end line and between "the extensions" of the two sidelines. It measures to the end of the free zone. A player may stand anywhere in the service zone when completing a serve to put the ball into play.
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