The playing area includes the playing court and the free zone. It shall be rectangular and symmetrical.

DIMENSIONS

The playing court is a rectangle measuring 18 x 9 m, surrounded by a free zone which is a minimum of 3 m wide on all sides.

The free playing space is the space above the playing area which is free from any obstructions. The free playing space shall measure a minimum of 7 m in height from the playing surface.

For FIVB World and Official Competitions, the free zone shall measure a minimum of 5 m from the sidelines and 8 m from the end lines. The free playing space shall measure a minimum of 12.5 m in height from the playing surface.

PLAYING SURFACE

The surface must be flat, horizontal and uniform. It must not present any danger of injury to the players. It is forbidden to play on rough or slippery surfaces.

For FIVB World and Official Competitions, only a wooden or synthetic surface is allowed. Any surface must be previously approved by the FIVB.

On indoor courts the surface of the playing court must be of a light colour.

For FIVB World and Official Competitions, white colours are required for the lines. Other colours, different from each other, are required for the playing court and the free zone.

LINES ON THE COURT

All lines are 5 cm wide. They must be of a light colour which is different from the colour of the floor and from any other lines.

Boundary 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.

Centre line

The axis of the centre line divides the playing court into two equal courts measuring 9 x 9 m each; however the entire width of the line is considered to belong to both courts equally. This line extends beneath the net from sideline to sideline.

Attack line

On each court, an attack line, whose rear edge is drawn 3 m back from the axis of the centre line, marks the front zone. For FIVB World and Official Competitions, the attack line is extended by the addition of broken lines from the sidelines, with five 15 cm short lines 5 cm wide, drawn 20 cm from each other to a total length of 1.75 m.