Who serves first in volleyball, and when do teams change sides?
A · Advanced · Scoring and winning · 1 of 8Checked 13 October 2026
Before the match the first referee holds a toss. The winner chooses either to serve or receive, or which side to start on, and the loser takes the other choice. Teams change courts after every set, and in a deciding fifth set they change again when the leading team reaches 8.
How it works
- The toss is taken with the two team captains.
- Choices: to serve or to receive, or the side of the court.
- Sets two, three and four start with a serve by the team that did not serve first in the set before.
- Before a deciding set there is a new toss.
- Change of courts: after each set. In the deciding set, when the leading team reaches 8 points, the teams change at once and keep the same player positions.
- If the change at 8 is missed, it is made as soon as the error is noticed and the score stands.
- Warm-up at the net before the match: 6 or 10 minutes together, depending on whether the teams had a court to warm up on beforehand.
Tricky cases
Does the toss winner have to serve?
No. The winner may choose to receive, or may choose a side and leave the serve to the opponents.
Do players change their rotation at the change at 8 points?
No. The player positions remain the same.
Why the rule exists
Changing courts shares out any difference in lighting, background or draughts. The change in mid-set keeps the short deciding set fair.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB rules | As above | V 7.1; V 12.1; V 18.2 |
| Beach volleyball | Teams switch sides every 7 points, and every 5 in the third set | BV 18.2.1 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 7.1, 7.2, 12.1 and 18.2. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules (PDF).