What is a screen in beach volleyball?
A · Advanced · Serving · 2 of 5The server's partner must not hide the serve from the receivers. It is a screen if the partner, by waving arms, jumping or moving sideways, hides both the service hit and the flight of the ball. A serve that passes over a screen is a fault.
How it works
- It is a screen only if both the hit and the ball's flight are hidden until the ball reaches the net. If either can be seen, it is not a screen.
- The partner may not raise their hands above their head during the serve until the ball has passed the net.
- The first referee may caution a team through its captain if deliberate screening is suspected.
- Penalty when the serve passes over a screen: the rally to the receiving team.
Tricky cases
The receiver asked the server's partner to move. Must they?
No rule requires it. The rules do not describe such a request. They forbid the screen itself, and the referee may caution a team that appears to be screening on purpose.
Is standing still at the net a screen?
It depends on what the receivers can see. A screen needs both the hit and the flight path to be hidden.
Why the rule exists
Receivers need to see the server's contact to read a serve, and with only two of them neither can be left guessing.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB beach rules | As above | BV 12.5; BV 12.6.2.3 |
| Indoor volleyball | Also covers a group of players standing together | V 12.5.2 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 12.5 and 12.6.2.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules (PDF).