Beach Volleyball is a form of volleyball played on a beach or any patch of sand. Differences from volleyball are minor, and are limited to smaller court and team size.

Beach volleyball was first played in Hawaii, then later southern California. Matches consist of opposing teams of two trying to be the first to win two sets. Points are scored by grounding the ball on the opponents' court. The first team to score 21 points wins a set, and the first team to win two sets wins the match.

Score points, win sets, and then win the match by grounding the ball on the opponents' court.

Beach volleyball is played between opposing teams of two, on courts made of sand. Matches consist of three sets. Play begins with one team serving to the other Players alternate service, but are not required to rotate positions. The ball can be hit no more than three times before it crosses the net, and consecutive contact must be made by different players. Teams switch sides every seventh point. Teams score points by grounding the ball on the opponents' court, or when the opposing team commits a fault. Sets are won by the first team to score 21 points, and be two points ahead of the opposition. The first team to win two sets wins the match.

The first recorded game of beach volleyball took place in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was originally designed an activity for bored surfers when waves were calm. The game spread to southern California in the 1920's, where it was popularized. By the 1930's beach volleyball was being played in Europe. Around this time rules changed, which created the modern 2 on 2 game format. In 1960 the first professional tournament was held in Manhattan Beach, California. In the 1980's beach volleyball experienced a huge surge in popularity, which resulted in the formation of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the sport's first governing body, and its inclusion in the Summer Olympic Games. Today beach volleyball is a popular sport around the world, especially in the United States.

Net
Volleyball

Beach volleyball is a relatively safe sport due to a lack of contact between opposing players. Injuries are usually limited to minor pulls and sprains.

Beach volleyball players must be quick and agile on sand. Sprinting drills performed on sand are a great form of training.

Bump - to pass the ball by redirecting it with the forearms

Set - to pass the ball, usually with the fingertips, in an arc close to the net so that a teammate can drive it over the net

Spike - to hit the ball forcefully from a position near the net so that it moves downward into the opposite court

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_volleyball