Beach volleyball
Because of the many difficulties of playing outdoors, such as the sand, the
sun and the wind, beach volleyball players must have outstanding ball skills and
court speed. Partners must be well matched or opponents will win easy points by
exploiting the weaker player.
|
 |
|
China's Tian Jia dives for the ball during a semi-final match at
the FIVB beach volleyball grand slam in Gstaad, June 24, 2006.
[Reuters] |
COMPETITION
In beach volleyball, matches are played best of three sets using the rally
point system. The first two sets are played to 21 points, with the final
tie-breaker set being played to 15 points. A team must win a set by two points.
There is no ceiling, so a set continues until one of the teams gains a two-point
advantage.
Sydney 2000
There was a men's and women's volleyball event and a men's and
women's beach volleyball event.
In volleyball, 12 men's teams of 12 players
and 12 women's teams of 11 players competed. In beach volleyball, 24 men's and
24 women's pairs competed.
Athens 2004
Volleyball at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games will feature the
same competitions as Sydney 2000 (men's and women's volleyball and beach
volleyball), with the same number of teams participating (12 men's and 12
women's volleyball teams with 24 men's and 24 women's teams for beach
volleyball).
The only significant difference in formats will be that volleyball will be
played in one venue with 3 sessions per day. It is currently proposed that beach
volleyball will be played over 12 days (instead on 11) including one rest day,
with two sessions per day. It is also proposed to run evening sessions under
lights.
LIST OF EVENTS
beach volleyball
Men
beach volleyball Women
