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This is done in order to equalize the effect of the sun and wind on the outcome of the game. Teams change sides of the court at every multiple of seven points in sets 1 and 2, and every five points in set 3 until the match is over. This system, known as "rally scoring," makes a game go much faster. In line with past rules, whichever team wins a point will serve to start the next one. Now, both teams are able to earn a point, no matter who served. Prior to the 2004 Athens Games, only the serving team could record a point. Points are most often scored by a hard, un-returnable spike, or by a block that deflects a spike back into the attacking player's side of the court. Every time the ball hits the ground, or a team fails to return it, play is stopped and a point is awarded to the team who did not fail to put the ball back in play. Typically, a point ends when: the ball touches the court, the ball is hit out of bounds, a team makes more than three contacts with the ball, a player touches the ball twice consecutively (except in the case of a block), or a player touches the net. In each set, a team must win by at least a two-point margin there is no ceiling, so play continues until one team goes ahead by two points, thus winning the game.
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The third set, if necessary, is played to 15 points. The first two sets are played to 21 points by rally scoring. A player is not allowed to make contact with the ball two consecutive times, unless s/he blocks the ball at the net if a block occurs, the blocker may hit the ball again after his/her attempted block.Īll Olympic beach volleyball matches are best two-out-of-three sets. Each time a player touches the ball it counts as one contact for the team. Each team is allowed a maximum of three hits to return the ball to the opponent's side of the court. Players can make contact with the ball using any part of their body, except on the serve, which must be hit with only the hand. The objective in beach volleyball is for a player to hit the ball over the net such that it lands within the opponent's playing area, or is not legally returned to his/her own playing area.