How many touches does a team get in beach volleyball?
B · Beginner · Playing the ball, attacking and blocking · 4 of 6Checked 14 October 2026
A team has at most three hits to return the ball, and on the beach a touch on the block counts as the first of them. After a block the team has two hits left. No player may hit the ball twice in a row, except that the blocker may play the next ball.
How it works
- A hit is any contact with the ball by a player, intended or not.
- A fourth hit is the fault "four hits".
- A block contact counts as a team hit. The blocking team has two more.
- The first hit after a block may be made by either player, including the blocker.
- Two partners touching the ball at the same moment count as two hits, except when blocking together.
- Two opponents touching the ball together above the net: play goes on and the team receiving the ball has three more hits. If a held ball results, play still continues. If the ball then hits the antenna, the rally is replayed.
- A player may not take support from the partner or from an object to reach the ball.
Tricky cases
Does the block count as a touch?
Yes. After a block touch the team has two hits left.
Can the blocker play the ball again straight away?
Yes. The first hit after the block may be made by the player who blocked.
The ball hit my partner by accident. Does that count?
Yes. Unintentional contacts count as team hits.
Why the rule exists
Indoors six defenders stand behind a block; on the beach there is one. Counting the block as a hit keeps the attacker and the two defenders in balance.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB beach rules | As above | BV 9.1; BV 14.4 |
| Indoor volleyball | The block is not counted as a hit | V 14.4.1 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 9.1, 9.3 and 14.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules (PDF).