Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Dimensions of the Playing Court (Rule 1.1, FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025–2028)
The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18 m × 9 m (59.06 ft × 29.53 ft), surrounded by a free zone which is a minimum of 3 m (9.84 ft) wide on all sides. The free playing space is the space above the playing area which is free from any obstruction. The minimum height from the playing surface to the free playing space is 7 m (22.97 ft) in FIVB World and Official Competitions; the minimum height is 12.5 m (41 ft) for Olympic Games.
3.2 Playing Surface (Rule 1.2)
The playing surface must be flat, horizontal, and uniform. Indoor surfaces must be of wood or synthetic material. Only smooth surfaces without dangerous or irregular elements are allowed. For FIVB World and Official Competitions, only wooden or synthetic surfaces are permitted. Outdoor courts may have a natural or artificial surface approved by the FIVB.
3.3 Court Lines (Rule 1.3)
All lines are 5 cm (1.97 in) wide. Lines must be a light color, different from the color of the floor and from any other lines. Two sidelines and two end lines mark the playing court. Both sidelines and end lines are drawn inside the dimensions of the playing court. The centre line divides the playing court into two equal courts each measuring 9 m × 9 m (29.53 ft × 29.53 ft); this line extends beneath the net from sideline to sideline.
3.4 Attack Line (Rule 1.3.3)
In each court, an attack line is drawn 3 m (9.84 ft) from the axis of the centre line to delimit the front zone. The attack line is extended beyond the sideline by 5 short lines, each 15 cm (5.91 in) long, 5 cm wide, and spaced 20 cm (7.87 in) apart, to a total length of 1.75 m (5.74 ft) from the sideline. This extension indicates the attack line for the back-row players.
3.5 Zones and Areas (Rules 1.4–1.5)
- Front Zone: Bounded by the axis of the centre line and the edge of the attack line nearest to the net (Rule 1.4.1).
- Back Zone: Bounded by the back edge of the attack line and the inside edge of the end line (Rule 1.4.2).
- Service Zone: 9 m (29.53 ft) wide area behind each end line. The server must be within this zone, behind the end line, at the moment of service contact (Rule 1.4.3).
- Substitution Zone: The part of the free zone on the side of the scorer's table, between the attack line and the end line (Rule 1.4.4).
- Libero Replacement Zone: The part of the free zone on both sides between the attack line extension and the end line (Rule 1.4.5).
- Warm-up Areas: Positioned at the corners of the playing court in FIVB World and Official Competitions; approximately 3 m × 3 m each (Rule 1.5).
3.6 Temperature and Lighting
For FIVB World and Official Competitions, the minimum temperature is 16°C (61°F) and the maximum is 25°C (77°F). The illumination level on the playing surface must be 1,000–1,500 lux (Rule 1.2 notes). Outdoor competitions should avoid direct sunlight in players' eyes.