What is sitting volleyball?
B · Beginner · Court and teams · 1 of 5Sitting volleyball is volleyball for six a side, played sitting on the floor. The court is 10 m by 6 m and the net about a metre high. Players must keep the body between buttocks and shoulders on the floor when playing the ball. Otherwise it is volleyball: rally scoring, three hits a side, rotation, sets to 25 and best of five.
How it works
- Teams: six on court.
- Court: 10 m by 6 m.
- Net: 1.15 m men, 1.05 m women.
- Contact: buttocks to shoulders on the floor.
- Hits: three per side.
- Scoring: rally scoring to 25.
- Match: best of five sets.
- Rotation: clockwise.
The glossary has the sitting volleyball, the World ParaVolley, the set and match (sitting volleyball), the playing court (sitting volleyball), the net height and the contact with the court.
Tricky cases
Can players stand to dig?
No. Standing up is forbidden.
Is the scoring the same as volleyball?
Yes, rally scoring to 25.
Can players play barefoot?
Yes, in socks at top events.
Who sets the rules?
World ParaVolley, in agreement with the FIVB.
Why the rule exists
Sitting puts players with leg impairments on equal terms. A smaller court and lower net keep rallies fast.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Court | 10 m by 6 m | 1.1 |
| Net | About 1.1 m | 2.1 |
| Players | Sitting | 9.4.1 |
From the rule book
World ParaVolley, Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Game characteristics and rules 1, 2, 6 and 9.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World ParaVolley Official Sitting Volleyball Rules 2025-2028.