Men’s 2s Rules

Most of the rules for beach volleyball are the same as for indoor volleyball, with some key differences because there are only 2 people on the court and the game is played outside.

Teams will switch sides after every 7 total points are reached (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, etc).

Players on the net are not allowed to screen the server. If they are, ask them to move. Servers can also help by shifting so they can see both opponents. 

Receiving a serve can't be done with a set. Sometimes people use two hands to deflect a serve, but if the call spins off, it's a double hit, so generally, one hand passes a serve.

Block touches count as a contact when a player hits into the block if it still comes over. That means the team only has two more touches to put it back over. 

Block jousts don't count as a contact for either team.

Setting on the beach is tough to do. Try and keep it from spinning too much, as that means it is likely a double hit. Or bump set. 

No tipping. The only time you can touch the ball with an open hand is if you are wiping or pushing it off a block to try and play a tight set.

No setting the ball over, unless you are really obviously doing it. Completely square to your target (facing forwards or backwards) and pushing it straight in that direction. It's too easy to set to an open spot with only two players on the court, especially if they are not expecting it. If it is windy, a ball that is set for your partner to hit but goes over the net before he touches it is still a loss of a point. 

Attacking the ball can be done from the ground or the air. This is important because you are not allowed to set a free ball. There are no exceptions to this rule, unless the ball is hard driven, in which case you can set it if you want. This is a judgement call, but basically, teams need to figure out if they have time to move to bump or if the ball is coming fast enough that they can't move to avoid setting it. 

Also, without tipping, you can roll the ball as an attack—it will be an obvious roll if the ball rotates forwards and in the direction of the hitter's wrist action. 

You can also pokey, or fin, or chop the ball if you want. All of these are other ways of controlling the ball and work just like tips once you practice them, but they are single points of contact where the ball rebounds in some way. 

Sometimes you might swing and miss and hit your fingertips, but the swinging action should help people know it was not a tip. 

You can reach over the net on a block, as long as you don't interfere with the opponent's chance to make a third contact.

Please reserve if there is a debate, but also try to be as honest as possible once everyone learns the rules.