Are you a volleyball or a huge fan of the game? Or are you someone who wishes to make it big in this sport and is currently looking forward to learning more about it? Or are you a quizzing enthusiast who wishes to know all about the volleyball court measurement, the rules and the A to Z of the game? If your answer to any of these is yes, then you have landed at the right place. This article will be your ultimate guide about the game of volleyball which is a favourite among sports enthusiasts. 

Introduction

Volleyball is an outdoor or indoor sport that is played on a court between two teams. The volleyball teams have 6 players each who are separated by a net. The game is played based on rules that we will discuss with you further in this article. The game has its roots in the United States of America, where it was only created as a pastime and could be played by any number of players. Volleyball is of three different types, and the game is also played in the Olympics. Volleyball was played in the Olympics for the first time in Tokyo in 1964. A modified version of volleyball is also played in the Paralympics. 


In this article about the measurement and dimensions of a volleyball court, we will discuss the volleyball layout, the net measurements, the rules of this game, and other informative details about the game. 



Here are volleyball court measurements classified by league and playing venue:

Volleyball is a sport played by two teams of six players each. Understanding the volleyball court length and width can help you play the game more effectively and with more understanding. Following are volleyball court measurements broken down by league and location of play:

League Playing Venue Length Width
Indoor Volleyball National Federation of State High School Associations 60 feet (18.29 metres) 30 feet (9.14 metres) wide
Indoor Volleyball NCAA, FIVB & USAVB (USA Volleyball) 59 feet (18 metres) 59 feet (18 metres)
Outdoor/ Beach Volleyball NCAA, FIVB, USAVB 52.6 feet (16m – metres) 26.25 feet (8m – metres)
Outdoor/ Beach Volleyball Recreational 52.5 feet (16 metres) 26.25 feet (8 metres)


Volleyball

Indoor Volleyball Court Dimensions (Official FIVB Volleyball Court Dimensions)

FIVB is the acronym for Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, which translates to International Volleyball Federation in English. It is the international governing body for all forms of the game of volleyball on a global level. The headquarters of the FIVB is located in Lausanne, Switzerland. The FIVB aims to develop the game of volleyball as a major world media and entertainment sport. 

As per the official guidelines of the International Volleyball Federation, the FIVB, the following is the indoor volleyball layout:

  • The playing area of the volleyball court must be rectangular and symmetrical.
  • The playing court and free zone are included in the playing area. 
  • The volleyball court size in meters is 18 m by 9 m. 
  • A free zone on all sides must surround this playing court, which must be at least 3 m wide. 
  • The volleyball court size in feet is 59 feet by 29 feet 6 inches. 

Playing Surface

The playing field is light-coloured and flat. The only permitted surfaces for FIVB, international, and official tournaments are hardwood or synthetic. The lines must be drawn in white. The playing court and free zone require additional distinct colours.

Line Markings

Every line on the court is 5 cm broad and has a bright colour that contrasts with the floor. The two sidelines and end lines serve as the boundary lines. The centre line divides a 9 m × 9 m playing court into two equal courts. From sideline to sideline, this line extends from underneath the net. The front zone is designated on each court by the rear edge of the attack line, which is drawn 3m away from the centre of the centre line.

Nets and Posts

Men's and women's nets are 2.43 and 2.24 metres high, respectively. Vertically above the centre line, it is positioned. It is 10cm square black mesh, 1m wide, and 9.5–10m long. From the centre of the playing court, the height of the net is calculated. The antenna is a flexible rod that is 10mm in diameter, 1.8 metres long, and composed of fibreglass or material comparable to it. 

On the opposing sides of the net, it is fixed. The antenna's top rises 80 cm above the net and is identified by 10 cm-long stripes of contrasting colour, often red and white. The 2.55 m-tall posts are positioned between 0.50 and 1 m outside the sidelines. The posts are wire-free and contoured, and secured to the ground.


Zones and Areas on Indoor Volleyball Court

  • The axis of the centre line and the back edge of the assault line restricts the front zone on each court. The front zone continues past the sidelines into the free zone's last yard.
  • The service zone begins at the end of the free zone and is a 9 m wide space behind each end line. As an extension of the sidelines, it is 15 cm long and drawn 20 cm after the finish line.
  • From both attack lines to the scorer's table is the substitution zone.
  • The Libero Replacement zone is a portion of the free zone that runs from the attack line to the finish line on the same side as the team benches.
  • Outside of the end lines in the control area is a 1-by-1-metre penalty area.



Beach Volleyball

Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions

The game of volleyball can also be played on a beach. This is called beach volleyball, and the beach volleyball layout is comparatively different from that of an indoor volleyball court. The following are the details about the beach volleyball court:

  • Beach volleyball is played on a sand court. The court must be rectangular in shape. 
  • The beach volleyball court size in meters is 16 m by 8 m. 
  • This rectangular court must be surrounded by a free zone which must be at least 3 m wide. 
  • In feet, the dimensions of this court are 52.5 feet by 26.2 feet. 

Surface

The playing field is made of levelled sand that has been made as smooth and uniform as possible, devoid of pebbles, shells, and other objects that might injure players.

Lines Markings

Every line is 5 cm broad and coloured to contrast with the sand's colour. Two sidelines and two end lines serve as the boundary markers. A centre line does not exist. Ribbons of durable material are used for court lines, and flexible anchors are used for any exposed anchors.

Zones and Areas

The court is surrounded by a service zone and a free zone. The service zone is a space that is 8 metres wide behind the finish line and stops just within the 3 metres wide free zone.

Nets and Posts

Over the court's centre, a vertical net is present. Men's and women's tops are set at 2.43m and 2.24m, respectively. The height of the net for juniors is as follows:

  • 16 and under - 2.24m
  • 14 and under - 2.12m
  • 12 years and under - 2.00m

When taut, the net measures 1m in width and 8.5m in length. The horizontal white bars are 7–10 cm wide and placed at the mesh's top and bottom, which is 10 cm square.

Antennae

Each side band's outside broad of the net has an antenna attached to it. The volleyball antenna height is 80 cm tall. The posts are positioned 0.70 to 1 m apart from each sideline and the post padding. They are 2.55 metres high and wireless when mounted to the ground. The posts need to be cushioned.

Sitting Volleyball Court Size 

The standard outdoor volleyball court size for a sitting game is 10 metres by 6 metres.

Nine-Man Volleyball Court Size 

The nine-man game takes place on an outdoor volleyball court size that is 33 feet long and 33 feet broad. The net is higher, standing 7 feet, 8.5 inches tall.


Beach Volleyball

How To Measure Volleyball Ground Size?

The lines defining the court's boundaries and its size are two inches long. Starting from inside the court boundaries, you may accurately measure the boundary lines. To measure two inches wide for an accurate reading, you would take your tape measure or ruler and set it on the portion of the line closest to the court playing area. Keep in mind that two inches are equivalent to five cm.


What Are The Lines On A Volleyball Court?

  • Boundary Line - The baselines or end lines on either end of the court. They delineate the line that players must stand behind when serving and mark the end of the backcourt. Depending on who you are speaking to, these lines may be referred to as baselines or end lines.
  • Sidelines - These lines are located on the court's sides. You could see the journalists, coaches, officials, and other players standing behind these lines. Two players gather on the sidelines to make a replacement.
  • Court End Lines - The coach limitation line designates the area where volleyball coaches are permitted to occupy when a game is in progress. This is the region that is behind the attack line and the sidelines. 
  • Service Line - The server waits behind the service line, which is a small line behind the baseline, before each serve. It is against the rules to cross this line when serving. Although many courts might not have an extra service line, the baseline nevertheless fulfils the same purpose. 
  • Center Line - Precisely in the centre of the court, directly beneath the net, is where the centerline is situated. The court is split into two equally sized halves by this line. Players who are close to the net must be aware of this line since crossing it while a point is being played will result in a penalty. 
  • Attack Line - The attack line separates the front and back row players on either side of the court between the frontcourt and backcourt. The ball can be offensively attacked from this line as well. A ball that is above the net cannot be attacked from any place in front of the attack line by back-row players. Because it is 10 feet out from the net, this line is sometimes known as the "ten-foot line."

What Is Volleyball Net Height And Size?

  • Men’s Volleyball Net Height - The official volleyball net height for male should be seven (7) feet, 11 5/8 inches, measured from the top of the net in the middle of the court to the ground. That is 2.43 metres for people who measure things in metrics.
  • Women’s Volleyball Net Height - The official volleyball net height for women, measured in the same manner, is 7 feet 4 1/8 inches from the centre of the net. 2.24 metres are displayed there.
  • Sitting Volleyball Net Height - Another indoor game is called sitting volleyball. While the net measurements are the same as those used in indoor tournaments, the sitting volleyball ground is smaller at 10 by 6 metres. 
  • Youth Volleyball Net Height - For instance, the court is bigger, and the official volleyball net height is lower (243 cm) among the Asian community for the extremely popular nine-v-nine game.

Tips For Measuring Volleyball Net Height

To prevent measurement errors, keep the following in mind while you measure the volleyball net height:

  • Always use a suitable measuring tool to gauge the height of your network from the playing court's centre (net chain).
  • As you take your measurements, check that the distance between the two ends of your volleyball net—which will hang over the sidelines—is the same.
  • Never go higher than 34 inches than the approved volleyball net height.
  • If you teach beach volleyball, keep in mind that you must measure the height of the net at the sand-raked level.
  • Remember to measure the height of your volleyball net from the ground up rather than from the tops of the grass blades if you coach outdoor volleyball on grass courts.


Volleyball Rules And Scoring

The rules of volleyball are not very difficult to understand. The game is played based on the following rules: 

  • There must be 6 players in each team, of which 3 must be in the front row and 3 in the back row. 
  • The ball must be served from behind the end line.
  • A player cannot hit the ball twice.
  • Rally scoring is used in this game.
  • The game is played to 25 points, and the winning team must win by 2 points. 
  • The ball must not be hit by carrying, palming or throwing.

Regulation Indoor and Beach Volleyball Net Height:

Type Regulation Net Height Measured At The Centre Of The Net Maximum Net Height Measured At The Antennae
Men's 7’11 5/8’’ 8’ 3/8”
Mens’ 55-69 7’9 5/8” 7’10 3/8”
Mens’ 70+ 7’6” 7’6 3/4”
Women's 7’4 1/8” 7’4 7/8”
Womens’ 45+ 7’2 1/8” 7’2 7/8”
Boys’/Girls’ Juniors (11+ - 12+) 7’ 7’ 3/4”
Boys Juniors under 10 7’ 7’ 3/4”
Girls Juniors under 10 6’6” 6’6 3/4”

 


The Standard Volleyball Court Size

The official volleyball court length and width are as follows:

  • Court: 18 metres long and 9 metres wide
  • Centre: 9 m × 9 m halves by a one-metre
  • Top of the Net: 2.43 metres
  • Centre Line: 5 metres
  • Serving Arena: 3 metres

Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball Court Measurements

1. What is the official size of a volleyball court?

The size of a volleyball court is 18 metres by 9 metres. 


2. What height is the volleyball net?

The height of a volleyball net is 2.43 metres for a men’s game and 2.24 metres for a women’s game.


3. What is the weight of a volleyball?

The weight of the volleyball must be between 260 g and 280 g.


4. How many players are in a volleyball team?

There are 6 players in each team in volleyball.


5. How long is a volleyball game?

The game of volleyball lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and is played in a set of best 2 in 3. 


6.What is the height of the antenna in volleyball?

The antenna is a flexible rod that is 10mm in diameter, 1.8 metres long, and composed of fibreglass or material comparable to it. On the opposing sides of the net, it is fixed. The antenna's top rises 80 cm above the net and is identified by 10 cm-long stripes of contrasting colour, often red and white.


7. How big is the volleyball pitch?

A free zone that is 3 metres wide surrounds the playing court, which is 18 metres long and 9 metres broad. The area above the playing field is the open playing space, which is at least 7 metres high.


Conclusion

Volleyball has become immensely popular throughout the years and is now played in practically every nation on earth. In addition to being enjoyed recreationally, it is also played in important competitions held all over the world, including the World Championships and the Olympics. Finally, this game is great for cardio and increasing muscle.As we conclude this article about volleyball court measurement, we hope this guide will have helped you better understand the game’s technicalities and learn more about the volleyball court and its details. 

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