When you watch a beach volleyball match, it might seem simple at first glance: two teams, a ball, and the goal of scoring as many points as possible. But if you look more closely, you’ll notice something much more subtle happening—communication between teammates. Sometimes it’s loud and clear, but often it happens through a system of codes. This blog is all about those ‘codes’ players use.
What Are Codes in Beach Volleyball?
You’ve probably seen players glance at each other, point a finger, or make a quick hand gesture. These codes play a crucial role—especially when there’s no time to talk, since rallies move fast and decisions have to be made in a split second.
Common Codes in Beach Volleyball
There are many ways players communicate without saying a word. Here are a few examples of hand signals you’ll often see:
- Fingers pointed down: This usually indicates who is going to block and whether the block will be line or cross.
- Both hands raised: A subtle signal that the team is preparing to block.
- A raised fist: This can indicate a specific position or a planned type of attack.
The power of hand signals lies in their speed and clarity. They can be performed in the middle of the action, making them perfect for the fast-paced nature of beach volleyball.
Still not entirely sure how it works? Check out this helpful YouTube video:
