Number of Players
6 vs. 6 (can play smaller size games for 4 vs 4, 2 vs 2, etc.)
Sitting volleyball follows standard standing volleyball rules and regulations with the following modifications:
- The position of each player is determined and controlled by the position of their bottoms. A player’s limb may cross the service, attack, and center lines, provided they do not interfere with an opposing player.
- A player’s “bottom” is defined as the upper part of the body, from the shoulder to one’s buttocks.
- The player is not allowed to lift his/her bottom from the court when executing any type of attack-hit. Defensively, if a player remains low and follows through their playing action to have their upper torso contact the ground after playing the ball, then a brief loss of contact by a player’s bottom is generally permitted.
- Blocking or attacking the serve is legal.
Played in a gymnasium on a 6m X 10m (19’8.25” X 33’9.75”) court with a men’s net of 1.15m (45.25in) or a women’s net of 1m (41.25). Attack lines are drawn parallel to the centerline and 2m (6.5 ft) from the middle of the center line.
Sitting volleyball is a score-based game and therefore has no time limits.
- In international play, the match is won by the team that wins three sets out of a maximum of five. Domestically, matches could be schedule single-set, best of 3, or any other format as desired.
- A set is won by the team which first scores 25 points with a minimum lead of two points in a non-deciding set. Adjusting the number of points to win a set is possible for domestic competition for tournament format considerations.
- In the case of a 1-1 or 2-2 set tie, the deciding (3rd/5th) set is played to 15 points. A two-point margin is required for victory.