Each team must play within its own playing area and playing space (except Rule 14.1.2).
The ball may, however, be retrieved from beyond the free zone.
13.1 TEAM HITS
13.1.1 Each team is entitled to a maximum of three hits for returning the ball over the net.
13.1.2 These team hits include not only intentional hits by the player, but also unintentional
contacts with the ball.
13.1.3 A player may not hit the ball two times consecutively (exceptions, see Rules: 13.4.3 a), b) and 18.2).
13.2 SIMULTANEOUS CONTACTS
13.2.1 Two players may touch the ball at the same moment.
13.2.2 When two teammates touch the ball simultaneously, it is counted as two hits (except at
blocking, Rule 18.4.2).
If two teammates reach for the ball but only one player touches it, one hit is counted.
If players collide, no fault is committed.
Official Rules
16 Official Beach Volleyball Rules
13.2.3 If there are simultaneous contacts by the two opponents over the net and the ball
remains in play, the team receiving the ball is entitled to another three hits. If such a ball
goes “out”, it is the fault of the team on the opposite side.
If simultaneous contacts by the two opponents over the net lead to a “held ball”, it is NOT
considered a fault.
13.3 ASSISTED HIT
Within the playing area, a player is not permitted to take support from a teammate or any
structure/object in order to reach the ball. However, the player who is about to commit a
fault (touch the net or interfere with an opponent, etc.) may be stopped or held back by a
teammate.
13.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIT
13.4.1 The ball may touch any part of the
body.
13.4.2 The ball must be hit, not caught
or thrown. It can rebound in any
direction.
Exceptions:
a) In defensive action of a hard driven
ball. In this case, the ball can be
held momentarily overhand with
the fingers.
b) If simultaneous contacts by the
two opponents leads to a “held
ball”.
13.4.3 The ball may touch various parts of the body, only if the contacts take place simultaneously.
Exceptions:
a) At blocking, consecutive contacts (Rule 18.4.2) by one or more blockers are authorized,
provided that they occur during one action.
b) At the first hit of the team, unless it is played overhand using fingers (exception Rule
13.4.2 a), the ball may contact various parts of the body consecutively, provided that the
contacts occur during one action.
13.5 FAULTS AT PLAYING THE BALL
13.5.1 FOUR HITS: a team hits the ball four times before returning it (Rule 13.1.1).
13.5.2 ASSISTED HIT: a player takes support from a teammate or any structure/object in order
to reach the ball within the playing area (Rule 13.3).
13.5.3 HELD BALL: a player does not hit the ball (Rule 13.4.2) unless when in defensive action of
a hard driven ball (Rule 13.4.2 a) or when simultaneous contacts by the two opponents
over the net lead to a momentary “held ball” (Rule 13.4.2 b).
13.5.4 DOUBLE CONTACT: a player hits the ball twice in succession or the ball touches various
parts of his/her body successively (Rule 13.1.3, 13.4.3).
