Olympic Beach Volleyball competition guide

Contested in doubles, beach volleyball matches run over the best of three sets – the first two worth 21 points and the third, if necessary, worth 15.

The ball is hit over a high-hung net between opposing teams, with the objective of knocking it past the other team.

In order to win a set, a team needs a margin of two points. Players take turns to serve, and the serve can be performed in any position of the service area at the back of the court. Each double can contact the ball up to three times in a row, and blocking is considered one contact.

Each of the men’s and women’s events will see a total of 54 matches played, consisting of a preliminary round, a lucky loser round and a simple elimination phase.