Volleyball Court Dimension: Standard Size, Layout, and Markings Explained

 If you're stepping into the world of volleyball—either as a player, coach, or facility planner—understanding the volleyball court dimension is essential. Whether you're setting up for a recreational match or preparing a professional tournament, getting the court size right ensures fair play, safety, and compliance with official rules. In this blog, we’ll break down the standard dimensions of both indoor and beach volleyball courts, markings, zones, and everything you need to know.

Standard Volleyball Court Dimension (Indoor)

According to the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), which governs the international rules of the sport, a standard indoor volleyball court has the following dimensions:

  • Length: 18 meters (59 feet)

  • Width: 9 meters (29.5 feet)

  • Total Playing Area: 162 square meters

This area is divided equally by a center line to create two equal halves, each measuring 9 meters by 9 meters.

Important Zones and Markings on the Court

  1. Center Line

    • Runs under the net, dividing the court into two equal halves.

    • Each team stays on its side, except during plays that require net contact (e.g., blocking).

  2. Attack Line (3-meter line)

    • Located 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) from the center line on both sides.

    • Separates the frontcourt from the backcourt.

    • Back-row players cannot attack the ball above the net if they take off from in front of this line.

  3. Service Zone

    • Located behind the end line.

    • Extends 9 meters in width, allowing servers to choose any spot behind the baseline.

  4. Substitution Zone

    • Located near the scorer’s table.

    • Used for player substitutions and rotates between plays.

  5. Free Zone

    • Minimum of 3 meters wide around the court.

    • In international matches, this can extend up to 5 meters.

Net Height and Poles

The height of the volleyball net varies by gender and age group:

  • Men’s Net Height: 2.43 meters (7 feet 11 5/8 inches)

  • Women’s Net Height: 2.24 meters (7 feet 4 1/8 inches)

  • Poles: Typically placed 0.5 to 1 meter outside each sideline and should be adjustable in height.

Volleyball Court Dimension for Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball, while similar in nature to indoor volleyball, uses slightly different court dimensions:

  • Length: 16 meters (52.5 feet)

  • Width: 8 meters (26.2 feet)

  • Net Height: Same as indoor volleyball (2.43 m for men, 2.24 m for women)

Key Differences:

  • There is no attack line in beach volleyball.

  • The free zone is usually less than in indoor courts due to limited space on sand surfaces.

  • Playing surface: Sand with a depth of at least 40 cm (15.75 inches) to ensure safe movement and dives.

Why Volleyball Court Dimensions Matter

  • Fair Play: Uniform court size ensures that all players are playing under the same conditions.

  • Safety: Proper spacing and markings reduce the risk of injury.

  • Official Compliance: Tournaments require courts that meet specific standards, particularly for school, collegiate, and professional matches.

  • Training and Performance: Accurate court dimensions allow players to practice under game-like conditions, enhancing muscle memory and positioning.

Volleyball Court Setup Tips

  • Use official line marking kits or durable paint to mark the lines clearly.

  • Ensure the net is taut and positioned at the correct height with properly installed poles.

  • The surface should be clean and even, whether it's hardwood indoors or sand outdoors.

  • Install adequate lighting if the court will be used during evenings or indoors.


Final Thoughts

Understanding the correct volleyball court dimension is crucial for anyone involved in the sport. Whether you’re organizing a school event, building a sports facility, or simply enjoying a weekend game with friends, having the right court layout improves the game’s quality and safety. Always follow official guidelines if you’re preparing for competitive play.

So the next time you step on the court, take a moment to appreciate the precision behind its layout—it’s more than just lines on the floor; it’s the foundation of a fair and exciting game.


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