Beach volleyball has evolved from a 6-on-6 game on the beach to a smaller number of players playing on a smaller court. This has necessitated a higher level of skill from players, with no substitutions or coaching allowed during games.

The most common form of beach volleyball is 4-on-4 with skill levels balanced for an even match.

Indoor volleyball, however, requires at least 10 players with 15 dressing for college teams, and the court consists of 6 players per team that rotate positions throughout the game.

This article seeks to answer the question: how many players are allowed on a beach volleyball team?

Evolution of Game

Beach volleyball has evolved from the traditional 6-on-6 game on the beach to a smaller number of players on a smaller court, requiring proficient and well-rounded players with no substitutions or coaching during games.

Generally, 4-on-4 is played for balanced matches, allowing for skill level balancing.

Recreational beach volleyball may involve larger groups and more players per side.

Indoor volleyball teams usually have at least 10 players, with college teams having up to 15 dressed for games, and 6 players on the court per team who rotate positions during the game.

Overall, beach volleyball has seen considerable changes in the number of players on a team, as well as other variations.

Co-Ed Teams

For co-ed beach volleyball, teams typically consist of four players for balanced matches. This is a smaller number than traditional 6-on-6 games, as the court size is smaller, meaning well-rounded and proficient players are required. There is also no substitution allowed and no coaching during the game.

Recreational beach volleyball may involve larger groups and more players per side.

On the other hand, indoor volleyball usually has at least 10 players on a team and college teams may have more players, although only 15 dress for the game. During the game, 6 players take the court for each team and they rotate positions.

Indoor Rules

Indoor volleyball teams generally consist of at least 10 players and college teams may have more, though only 15 are able to dress for the game. During the game, six players take the court for each team and these players rotate positions. This allows for players to experience different positions and makes the game more dynamic. The table below outlines the differences between the common forms of beach volleyball.

Form Players per Team Substitutions Coaching
Beach 4-on-4 No No
Recreational Varies No No
Indoor 6 Yes Yes