Can you tip the ball in beach volleyball?
I · Intermediate · Playing the ball, attacking and blocking · 4 of 6Not with an open hand. An attack made with an open-handed finger action, or with fingertips that are not rigid and together, is a fault. A ball sent over with an overhand pass must travel in line with the player's shoulders, unless it was a set meant for the partner.
How it works
- An attack hit is any action that directs the ball towards the opponents, except a serve or a block.
- Either player may attack at any height, from anywhere, as long as the ball is contacted on their own side. There is no attack line.
- Fault: an open-handed finger tip, or fingertips not rigid and together.
- Fault: an overhand pass that crosses the net on a path not perpendicular to the line of the shoulders. A set intended for the partner that drifts over is the exception.
- Fault: attacking the opponents' serve while the ball is wholly above the top of the net.
- Fault: hitting the ball in the opponents' space, or hitting it out.
Tricky cases
Is a shot with the knuckles or stiff fingertips legal?
Yes. The fault is an open-handed finger action, or fingertips that are not rigid and together.
A set aimed at the partner was blown over the net sideways. Is it a fault?
No. The rule on the direction of an overhand pass makes an exception when the player was trying to set their partner.
Can a player set the ball over the net on purpose?
Yes, if it travels in line with their shoulders, forwards or backwards.
Why the rule exists
A soft open-hand tip is almost impossible for two defenders to cover. Banning it, and limiting the overhand pass over the net, forces attackers to hit or to use a firmer, harder shot.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB beach rules | As above | BV 13 |
| Indoor volleyball | An open-hand tip is legal if cleanly hit; back-row players are limited by the attack line | V 13.1.2; V 13.2 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rule 13. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules (PDF).