Beach volleyball in wind, sun and heat – how the weather changes your game

Beach volleyball is an outdoor sport, and the weather always plays along: wind changes the ball's flight path, the sun dazzles, the sand heats up. If you can handle it, you have an advantage in the sand. Here you'll find out how headwind, tailwind and crosswind change the game, what to look out for when serving, passing, attacking and blocking, and how to stay relaxed in sun and heat.

How does wind affect beach volleyball?

Wind changes the ball's flight path: it drifts sideways, slows down or carries further than you think. That makes serving and setting harder to control than indoors.

In a game you can roughly distinguish three cases: headwind, when the wind is blowing in your face; tailwind, when it comes from behind; and crosswind, when it blows across the court. Each case calls for different decisions.

The wind affects both teams, and switching sides spreads the conditions. That's exactly what makes beach volleyball outdoors so varied.

Is headwind really better for a team?

Usually yes. With a headwind, the wind slows the ball down, so you can play it with more power without it being carried behind the baseline. Serves and attacks can be dosed with more control.

Blocking benefits too: with a headwind the wind carries the ball close to the net, so you stay up at the net instead of peeling off. That gives the team confidence.

A tailwind, on the other hand, is trickier. It carries serves and attacks further, and if you use too much power, you'll quickly hit the ball out. However, this isn't a rule without exceptions, because strength, playing style and the wind's direction relative to the court always play a role.

How do you serve in the wind?

With a headwind, flat, powerful serves or a topspin serve work well, because the ball drops just behind the net and pulls your opponent forward. A high float serve can also work, because the wind moves it even more and it's hard to read for the receiver.

With a tailwind, a higher float serve carries the ball further, and you can play aggressively deep to push your opponent back. Dose your power so the ball stays in.

Coaches don't always agree on this, and the weather changes in between. At camp, just try out what works for you and pay attention to how long the ball stays in the air. The longer the flight time, the more the wind can affect the reception.

What should you look out for when passing and setting?

In the wind, a calm forearm pass and a stable platform that you turn slightly into the wind help you. That way the ball doesn't fly off the court.

Play passes and sets rather flat and low, so the wind has less to work with. In strong wind, many use a bump set instead of a hand set, because the ball gets more spin and flies more steadily.

Start early, stay close to your setter and move towards the ball instead of chasing after it.

How do you attack and block in the wind?

With a headwind, hit flatter and aim more towards the middle of the court, so the wind doesn't push the ball out. With a tailwind, a high, deep approach helps you use the wind for more power.

With a crosswind: if possible, set with the wind rather than against it. That way you can follow the ball better and time the contact more precisely.

When blocking, stay up at the net with a headwind; with a tailwind it's often worth peeling off the net and getting into defence. These are rules of thumb, not laws: watch how the ball actually flies.

Why do teams switch sides?

In beach volleyball, teams switch sides after every seven points, and in the third set after every five. A set goes to 21 points, the deciding set to 15.

Switching sides makes sure conditions like wind and sun are spread evenly across both teams. If you started playing against the sun, you'll have it at your back later, and if you had a headwind first, you'll play with a tailwind afterwards.

How do you communicate with your partner in the wind?

Tell your partner how the wind is blowing right now and ask how they feel it. They're standing in a different spot on the court and often notice things you don't see.

Discuss before the serve where the ball should go, and call out if the wind suddenly shifts. A quick word is enough, and you'll play smarter as a team.

How do you deal with sun and glare?

Sunglasses and a cap or visor help against glare, especially when receiving a high ball.

For sun protection: reapplying maintains the protection, but doesn't extend it. Light sand also reflects UV radiation, so you're practically getting the sun from two sides.

How much should you drink in the heat?

Drink regularly and don't wait until you're thirsty. In the sand you sweat faster than you notice.

A water bottle at the side of the court, short breaks in the shade between sets and some fruit help you get through the morning easily.

The sand itself can also heat up considerably in the midday sun. So flip-flops or shoes are a good idea for the walk to the court – then you play barefoot in the sand.

What does this mean for camp?

With us it's not about calculating every gust of wind. Wind is part of the game, and most guests quickly figure out how to deal with it. If you shake it off after a rally and keep laughing, you're doing everything right.

A few habits help anyway: put on sunscreen early, bring water and take the wind in your stride. In Spain (Sunsation Beach in Gandía) there's only morning training, and the afternoon is free. That leaves time to recover on the beach or in the shade.

Frequently asked questions

Is headwind or tailwind better?

Headwind is usually more pleasant for a team, because it slows the ball down and lets you play with more control. Tailwind carries the ball further and makes serves and attacks harder to dose. Thanks to switching sides, both teams get both.

After how many points do teams switch sides in beach volleyball?

After every seven points, and after every five in the third set. A set is played to 21 points, the third to 15.

What's the best way to serve in strong wind?

With a headwind, flat, powerful serves or topspin are good options; with a tailwind, a higher float that gets carried further. What matters is getting the ball safely into the court. Try out what works for you at camp.

Do I need sunglasses for beach volleyball?

They help against glare, especially with high balls, but they're not a must. Many guests play with sunglasses or a cap.

Do I need to be fit because of the heat?

You don't need any special preparation. What matters is sun protection, drinking regularly and taking breaks in the shade when you need them.

Do you keep playing in the wind?

Wind is part of outdoor beach volleyball and a normal part of the game. How we plan for very bad weather in individual cases is best clarified directly with us.

Fancy sun, sand and a bit of wind in your face? Then choose your camp. You'll find all camps and dates on volleytours.com/en/camps-events – come as a player, leave as a friend.