History
Although beach volleyball was first played in the 1920s in the United States, it didn't become a competitive sport in California until 1947. The first world championships were held in 1976 and the first sponsored professional tour started in 1980. Beach volleyball became a sport in the Summer Olympic Games in 1996.
Rules
Beach volleyball follows the basic rules of indoor volleyball, except it is played on sand with two players on a side. Some versions use three, four, or six players on a team. The teams may be all male, all female, or coed (mixed). Rules vary slightly for each version.
Court
The court is a rectangular area 59 feet (18 meters) long and 29-1/2 feet (9 meters) wide. A surrounding free zone must be a least 9 feet 10 inches (3 meters) wide. The court boundary lines are usually marked by flat tape or ropes. Sometimes, the lines are drawn in the sand.
Net
The net is about 8 feet (2.4 meters) high for men and slightly lower for women.
Ball
The ball is similar to the one used in indoor volleyball.
Game
Games may last for 11 or 15 points. A match may consist of one game or go to the first team to win two games.
