One of the most frequently asked questions about volleyball is why there is no halftime. In traditional and beach volleyball, players play in sets that end based on score rather than time or length.
Most volleyball matches play to a predetermined number of sets, but most volleyball matches require a team to win two of three sets.
Some people call the intermission between the second and third set halftime but that can only last anywhere from three to 10 minutes.
Of course, everyone enjoys garden volleyball in the summer, but the rules to this game will just be less rigid because you’re playing with friends and family. Most likely, while cooking on the BBQ at the same time with a cool drink in hand.
In garden volleyball, feel free to make up the rules as you play and although the players should all have fun!
What Is a Volleyball Set?
A set is played with two teams each needing to score a predetermined amount of points to win.
For example, traditional volleyball requires the winning team to score 25 points.
The other team can not have 23 points or else the set will go into overtime.
Those questioning does volleyball have halftime will be surprised to know, there isn’t much time between sets.
Once a team wins a set, they only have a few minutes to regroup before the next set.
Who Determines the Interval Length?
In both traditional and beach volleyball, the referee has the authority to determine the duration of the intervals between sets.
In modified versions of youth or middle school volleyball, teams may only play two sets.
If the same team wins the first two sets, the match is over.
However, in high school, college and professional-level volleyball, the athletes will usually play three to five sets.
Most referees will use an interval time of three minutes, between the first two sets.
What Happens During Intervals?
If you were expecting something like a football halftime show, you are going to be disappointed.
Players usually huddle with their coach or relax on the bench during the short break.
Players may do some snacking, refueling for the next series, and then strategize together.
There is usually nothing happening on the court during this time.
Except for a few players who may take a short trip off the bench area on court to grab some personal items or go to the restroom.
How Long Are Volleyball Matches?
It’s dependent on the level and type of volleyball match.
Traditional volleyball matches generally last between 90 to 100 minutes before a clear winning team or player emerges.
It’s good to know that Beach volleyball matches typically last longer, as they only last 30 to 60 minutes. Beach volleyball matches time includes warm-up time, timeouts and intervals.
What Does the Audience Do During Intervals?
Typically, audience members will stay seated due to the short duration of the breaks.
Some audience members may rise from their seats to go to the lavatory during some of these breaks.
Final Thoughts
When one asks, does volleyball have halftime, the answer is, not in a traditional sense.
Some think of the time between the second and third set as halftime.
But it’s up to 10 minutes, and is more accurately termed an interval.
There is also an interval of some length between each set in a volleyball match, and nothing much happens on the court during this time.
The interval time, obviously, is too short to be considered halftime in the same manner as football or baseball games.
To add, there isn’t any entertainment for the spectators.