Absolutely! You can definitely play volleyball on a lawn grass surface. In fact, many professional leagues in volleyball treat grass volleyball and beach volleyball matches nearly identical.
Since you’ll be playing outside, you will want to make minor adjustments and take some precautions.
So while the short answer to the question “can you play volleyball on grass?” is yes, the article below will cover some of the more nuanced details related to this question.
Make sure to read attentively before your next outdoor volleyball competition!
Do I Need a Different Type of Ball for Games on the Grass?
For lawn grass games, you are going to need a different kind of volleyball.
In particular, you would want to look for an outdoor volleyball specifically for these games.
You might even consider an outdoor volleyball that lights up for games you play at dawn or dusk.
Outdoor volleyballs have a higher durability than indoor volleyballs to withstand the elements and the harder surfaces of normal exterior grass volleyball courts.
They also weigh heavier than indoor volleyballs and are made with hand stitching.
Are Court Lines Observed During Outdoor Matches?
No, you will not watch anything about center court lines during outdoor play.
Court violations are mostly limited to actions around or near the net.
For example: It is a violation if you impede the other team’s ability to play by voiding contact underneath the net.
Can I Play an Outdoor Volleyball Game Barefoot?
Feel free to enjoy your game with bare feet on the grass.
A lot of people do this in the warm days of the spring and during the hot summer months.
However, you may want to have shoes on to stay clean or safe. If you want to wear tennis shoes, you can.
Sometimes grass and lawns have fertilizers and pesticides that may irritate the skin of some people.
Additionally, you may step into:
- rocks
- twigs
- bugs
- maybe even a wasp’s nest.
Some types of wasps build a nest in the ground. But if you are playing in the back yard and you live there, maybe you checked it out.
But just a note: If you want or need to walk on some nearby concrete after the game, have a pair of shoes handy. Don’t burn your feet on those hot, hot summer days!
Are the Set Rules the Same?
In broad terms, the rules of who is victorious in an outdoor volleyball match hold true from the rules of indoor matches.
The team that wins the best of two out of three sets is declared the winner of the game.
So if Team A wins the first set but not the second set, you’ll then play the third set to determine who wins the game (both teams can only play a total of three sets, however).
The winning team must achieve the point goal with at least two points to win the match.
For example, one scenario might be that a 16-point match is needed to win, Team A has 16 points and Team B has 15 points.
In this case, the set must be played and the set will continue until either Team A scores 18 points, or Team B scores 16 points.
But if your team won the first two out of three sets, you can feel confident and leave the match as the winner without having to play any additional sets.
How Can I Set Up the Net?
Ideally, you want to find a spot on the lawn where you can put the net up so that you have an equal length of space on each side.
You also want to avoid the obvious, i.e. things like trees and shrubs. These also include tree roots and other hazards like patios where people could potentially get hurt.
The bigger the yard without a lot of other landscaping features, the better. You may also want to make note of, or flag, any sprinkler heads.
You will generally be using stakes to adhere the net into the grass, the last thing you want to do is damage a sprinkler head or any other type of irrigation system.
If you are playing at a park, you may or may not find nets already set up for you.
In the unlikely case there are no nets already set up, make sure to contact the city’s parks and recreation department, to see if you have permission to set up a net.
You may or may not need to take out a permit or use certain equipment.
Where Can I Buy an Outdoor Volleyball Net?
You can best locate an outdoor volleyball net for your lawn at a sports and fitness store.
You can try browsing online at various mass retailers to see what types and brands they carry.
However, physically going to a sports and fitness store will give you the opportunity to see the actual nets in person.
This way, you can make much better visual determinations on the dimensions and get your questions answered on the spot.
The sales reps will even give you recommendations based on your lawn.
Some regions of the country have very hard or rocky soils. You may get recommends like water your lawn a day in advance to soften the ground before installation.
Even better, some nets come in / as a set that includes an outdoor volleyball and/or travel kit too.
Is it More Rewarding to Play Volleyball on Lawn Grass?
Let’s be honest:
Some players would prefer to be outside than on the gym court.
There’s something refreshing about the fresh air, sunny skies, and scenic views that allure to some people.
But if you are a person that is sensitive to the sun and heat and dislikes bugs, you probably do not enjoy outdoor games as much.
Also, people that have poor air quality in their neighborhood, can experience bad air conditions that can lead to asthma and allergies.
It is truly up to your judgment. You are the only person you know that knows best how you react to indoor versus outdoor sports.
You will find out that there is always an element rewarding to volleyball or lawn grass if you prefer outdoor walks, runs, and hikes to the treadmill.
Conclusion
Is someone asking can you play volleyball on grass?
Now it is as straight as a line to say yes. Whether you are wanting to play against one or a group of friends, outdoor volleyball can be a fun pastime in the spring and summer.
For people with large enough backyards, you can set up a net during a BBQ or summer gathering.
Just make sure you make plenty of room on each side of the net and get a good outdoor volleyball.
You can employ many of the same rules you can use on an indoor court.
The main difference is that you do not have to play between the lines.