A standard indoor volleyball team has six players on the court at any given time, typically arranged with three players in the front row and three in the back row
. These six players include specialized roles such as libero, setter, outside hitters, middle blockers, and opposite hitter
. Beyond the six active players on the court, teams usually have substitutes. Most indoor volleyball teams have up to six substitutes, making a total roster of about 12 players, though in some elite international competitions, rosters can expand to 13, 14, or even 15 players
. Substitutions allow for tactical changes and rest during the match. In contrast, beach volleyball is played with only two players per team, which changes the dynamics and responsibilities on the court significantly
. To summarize:
- Indoor volleyball: 6 players on court per team, with up to 6 substitutes (total roster around 12 players, sometimes more in elite competitions)
- Beach volleyball: 2 players on court per team, sometimes with a few substitutes depending on the format
This structure ensures balanced play and allows teams to strategize effectively during matches