What are the blocking rules in beach volleyball?
B · Beginner · Playing the ball, attacking and blocking · 5 of 6Checked 14 October 2026
A block is a player at the net reaching above it to stop the ball coming from the opponents. Either player may block. The block counts as the team's first hit, a serve may not be blocked and a blocker may not touch the ball on the opponents' side before their attack hit.
How it works
- At contact, part of the blocker's body must be higher than the top of the net.
- A collective block is both players close together; it is completed when one touches the ball.
- Quick consecutive contacts by one or both blockers in one action count as a single team hit, with any part of the body.
- Blockers may reach beyond the net if they do not interfere with the opponents' play before their attack hit.
Blocking faults:
- Touching the ball in the opponents' space before their attack hit.
- Blocking the ball in the opponents' space from outside the antenna.
- Blocking the serve.
- The ball going out off the block.
Tricky cases
The ball touched the blocker's hands and then their head. Is that two hits?
No. Consecutive contacts in one blocking action count as one team hit.
Can a team block a serve?
No. Blocking the serve is forbidden.
Why the rule exists
The block is the first line of defence against the spike. On the beach it carries a cost, one of the three hits, so a team must choose when to use it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB beach rules | As above | BV 14 |
| Indoor volleyball | Only front-row players may block; the block is not a team hit | V 14.1.1; V 14.4.1 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 11.1 and 14. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules (PDF).