Pravila / Rules
Service
Each rally is initiated with the Service of one of the teams. The ball must be played with the foot from behind the baseline, and over the net in order to be valid. There are various techniques to perform the service, varying in the area of the foot used in stroking the ball and the trajectory applied to it. The type serve is chosen upon the direction and intensity of the wind and the opponent that is going to receive (usually the weakest individual off the opponent team).
In order to serve, the ball is usually placed on top of a small pile of sand, so that the foot only hits the ball during the execution of the service.
Receiving
The first touch after the service of the opponent team has as goal the control of the ball, so that the other team mate can prepare the attack efficiently. It is allowed to receive the ball with the feet, thigh, head and shoulder. However the most efficient way is to receive the ball on the chest, as there is larger surface available to control the ball.
Pass
The second touch has usually as its goal to put the other team mate in a position that allows him to attack the ball efficiently. It is also allowed to play the ball directly to the opponent's court after the first touch. This usually takes place in case of distress (faulty first touch) or for tactical reasons (when the opponent is anticipating the attack).
Attack
When playing the ball to the other court the goal is to create the biggest amount of difficulty for the opponent in receiving the ball. There are various options in offensive shots:
Short ball, close to the net;
Deep ball, near the baseline;
Cross balls, when the athlete attacks the ball diagonally;
Long line, when the athlete attacks the ball parallel to the line;
Fast balls when the athlete has the opportunity to attack the ball aggressively.
Defence
After the opponent attacks the ball the goal is not to let the ball touch ones court. In defense, taking the correct position, anticipating the attack and a good communication between the team mates is extremely important.
Rules
Footvolley is played by teams of two players on a court of leveled sand divided by a net. It is not allowed to use the hand, the arm or the forearm during play. Any other part of the body can be used as a touch.
The objective of the game is to play the ball over the net to the opponent's court, without ever touching the ground.
The game starts with a serve. The ball is placed on the ground, and the server can build a little hill, placing the ball on it, and then kicking it over the net.
Each team is allowed a maximum of 3 touches or a minimum of 1 touch before sending the ball to the other side. No player can touch the ball consecutively at any time or situation of the game.
Score
A game of Footvolley can be played in various ways:
Best of 3 sets. The team that reaches 2 sets first is the winner. Each set is played until a minimum of 15 points by a difference of two points.
One set until 21 points. The team that reaches 21 points with a minimum difference of two points wins the match;
One set until 15 points. The team that reaches 15 points with a minimum difference of two points wins the match.
Playing field
The playing field is rectangular shaped measuring 18 meters long (lateral court lines) by 9 meters wide (end lines). The 'free zone', the space between the boundary lines and the advertising boards, should be at least 3 meters wide.
Note: The playing field is made up of fine, leveled sand, free of rocks, shells or any material that might pose an injury threat to the athletes.
Service Area
The service area is situated behind the baseline and between the side lines.
Net
The net is 9.5 meters in length by 1 meter in width and is situated in the middle of the playing field.
The tape indicating the lateral court lines and the end lines must be 5-8 centimeters in width and if cords are used instead, they must be 20-30 millimeters in width.
Antennas
The antennas will be flexible rods measuring 1.8 meters in height and 10 millimeters in diameter. These are positioned perpendicularly in the external part of each lateral strip, parallel to the rod, supported by the inferior edge of the net. These must be exposed 80 cm above the superior edge of the net. These must be painted, preferably, in red and white every 10 cm from one end to the other.
Height of the net
The official height of the net in international events is 2.20 meters for the men and 2 meters for the ladies.
The game
Footvolley is a spectacular game with enormous technical requirements and astonishing growing potential. It can be watched for hours without ever ceasing to amaze you. Footvolley is also known as the "Art from head to toe".
The game reaches its climax when played by teams of two players, requiring great physical condition and technical skills. However it can be played by teams of four, allowing it to be practised by players of all ages.
Footvolley is practised in a organized way in various countries, including: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Thailand, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Croatia, Spain and Austria. The International Footvolley Federation and the European Footvolley Federation are the regulating entities at international level.
The ongoing popularity of the game may lead to its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Efforts are being gathered in this direction by the International Federations.
The fact that Footvolley has its peak in the summer months will lead to extra media coverage, as the football season finds its rest.
