Beach Volleyball – Playing tips

General

  • For reception and setting: Always try to position yourself before execution.
    (Recognize → Position → Execute)

Serving

  • Vary serve technique (e.g., (jump) float serve, (jump) topspin serve, sky ball)
  • Vary serve position (e.g., short vs. long, sideline vs. husband-wife zone)
  • Serve to the person, that the opponent team makes less (side-out) points

Reception

  • Stand far back (about 2m from the baseline) to reduce overhand reception
  • Light staggered stance with leg facing sideline forward and arms ready
  • Ideally stand behind the ball and align shoulder axis parallel to the net
  • The reception should be played quite close (about 1m) and centrally to the net
  • The flight path should be high enough for the setter to have time to approach the ball
  • The setter should move towards the setting position even before reception

Setting

  • The attacker should initially move slowly towards the net after reception
  • Set into the planned trajectory of the attacker, not too far outward
  • Always align the front of the body towards the target of the set
  • Set not too close to the net that the attacker can play around the block
  • Set high enough for the teammate to attack properly
  • Move directly into the defensive position (center of the court) after setting

Attacking

  • Before jumping (or even in mid-air), observe the opponents to perform the right attack
  • Don’t run too far (under the ball) to be able to hit the ball in front of you
  • Let the striking arm follow through to reduce the strain on the tendons
  • The setter should assist with attack recommendations (“Without”, “Line”, “Cross”)

Blocking

  • Always indicate blocking variant before blocking (e.g., “None”, “Line”, “Cross”, “Spread”)
  • Always release towards the line once it’s clear the opponent can’t hit hard
  • A block should be performed once it’s no longer possible to defend in the back court
  • When releasing, move forward but keep eyes towards the net (body rotation towards the center)

Defending

  • The blocker is only responsible for a small area (circle with approximately 2m radius)
  • The defensive player should initially position itself in the center (makes call difficult)
  • Only step towards the unblocked side when the attacker starts jumping
  • To step in the right direction, always observe what the blocker indicates