Ever wondered why the net heights for men's volleyball and women's volleyball are different? Or if there is a specific net height for youth or beach volleyball?
If you've ever been curious about the rules behind volleyball net heights, then you're in luck. We have compiled this guide to help you understand the differences between each type of game and the net height they require. Read on to find out more!
Men’s Volleyball Net Height
The standard volleyball net height for men’s indoor volleyball is set at 7 feet 11 5/8 inches (2.43 meters). This is slightly higher than the women’s net because on average, men are taller than women, so it requires them to reach higher to make a successful block or save.
Women’s Volleyball Net Height
The official volleyball net height for women’s indoor volleyball is slightly lower at 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters). The shorter height allows players to make defensive plays that would otherwise be impossible with a higher-set net.
Boys’ Indoor Volleyball Net Height
The net height for boys' indoor volleyball depends on their age group. For players 13-14 years old, the net should be 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters) high. For 11-12-year-olds, it should be 7 feet (2.13 meters) high; and for 10 and under, it should also be 7 feet (2.13 meters) high.
In high school, the official volleyball net height for men is 7 feet 11 5/8 inches (2.43 meters). In middle school, the regulation net height is slightly lower at 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters).
Girls' Indoor Volleyball Net Height
The net height is different for girls' indoor volleyball than it is for boys', but still based on age group. For 13-14-year-olds, it should be 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters) high; for 11-12-year-olds, it should be 7 feet (2.13 meters) high; and for 10 and under players, it should be 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters).
The official height of the girls' indoor volleyball net is 7ft 4in (2.24m ) for high school and middle school matches.
Beach Volleyball Net Height
If you're a fan of outdoor volleyball, one of the first questions that come to mind is: what's the correct net height?
Beach volleyball has its own unique set of rules when it comes to net height as well as other aspects of the game such as serve order and point scoring system.
The official international beach volleyball net stands at 7 feet 11 5/8 inches (2.43 meters) for men, 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters) for women, and 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters) for mixed-gender teams regardless of age or skill level.
Net heights for junior, youth, and school levels are specified by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).
These are as follows: 12 years & under – 6 feet 7 inches or 2.00 m; 14 years & under – 6 feet 11 inches or 2.12 m; 16 years & under – 7 feet 4 inches or 2.24 m. Depending on your age category, this is likely the net height you should be playing with at a beach volleyball court.
Coed Volleyball Net Height
The official net height for coed volleyball is identical to men’s at 7 feet, 11 ⅝ inches, or 2.43 meters high due to concerns about fairness and safety between male and female players sharing the same court space during games of mixed-gender teams.
Sitting Volleyball Net Height
The official net height for men’s sitting volleyball is 3 feet 9.28 inches (115cm) and the net height for women’s sitting volleyball is 3 feet 5.34 inches (105cm).
The lower net height accounts for the fact that players in sitting volleyball are seated on the floor as opposed to standing upright like in other forms of volleyball. This lower net height also allows players better access to the ball, making it easier to hit and set.
Check this table for all volleyball net heights.
Conclusion:
Knowing which volleyball nets are used in what type of game can help both newbies and experienced players alike better understand how each game works and what kind of strategies can best be applied when playing them.
Now that you know all about why each type of volleyball has different-sized nets, you'll be ready no matter what kind of match comes your way!
Whether you want to take part in competitive tournaments locally or just want some fun while throwing around a ball with friends, this guide should have given you enough knowledge so that no matter what situation arises, you'll always know which one is right!
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