How Long is a Volleyball Game? All You Need to Know

Volleyball is a fast-paced and exciting sport enjoyed by players and millions of fans all over the world. Everyone new to the game often wonders, “How long is a volleyball game?” 

Well, the duration of a volleyball match depends on multiple factors including the format, number of sets, scoring system, and the level of play. 

If you are curious about volleyball, you’ve stumbled upon the right resource. In this guide, we will explore the length of a volleyball game and try to answer some of the questions newcomers might have relating to the game. 

How Long Is A Volleyball Game?

How long is a volleyball match? Well, the length of a volleyball match depends on the format. A typical standard indoor volleyball match in professional college matches has the best-of-five set format. These sets last about 90 minutes to 2 hours. 

On the other hand, there are best-of-three set matches that are played in high school, recreational leagues, and beach volleyball. These games last about 45 to 90 minutes. 

You must be aware of the things that contribute to the length of a volleyball game. Some factors including timeouts, challenges, and rally lengths can also impact the duration of a game. 

Different Volleyball Game Formats and Set Structures

If you want to know “how long do volleyball games last”, then you should be aware of the game format and set structure. Let’s break down the different volleyball game formats that you should be aware of. 

Best of Three Sets 

The most common format of a volleyball game is the best-of-three-set format. This format is for the younger players like in middle school and some JV high school. In this format, a team has to win two out of three sets to take the match. So, it is possible that the match gets finished in just two sets if a team wins both of them.  

Best of Five Sets

This is an intense format of the game. This is used in high school, college, and professional volleyball. You might have guessed from the name that this format requires one team to win three sets to win the match. The best of five sets also impacts the length of the game. Teams need to win 3 sets out of five to win the game. 

Also Read: What is MVR in Baseball? Exploring the Important MLB Rule

How Many Minutes is Set 1 in Volleyball?

Well, there is no fixed time for a set in a volleyball game. However, the first set in a volleyball match takes between 20 to 30 minutes to complete. However, the duration of the sets can vary depending on the number of rallies, stoppages, and timeouts during the set. 

Sometimes, it can go on for more than 30 minutes for extended rallies and closely contested points. In contrast, one-sided sets can also conclude within 20 minutes as well. 

The Points System in Volleyball

The point system in a volleyball game is a little more interesting detail everyone should know about. The scoring system depends on the format you’re playing. 

• For Indoor Volleyball, standard sets are played to 25 points, except for the deciding fifth set. The fifth set goes for 15 points. 
• For Beach Volleyball, they play the sets for 21 points, except the last one. The last set is played for 15 points. 

If a team wants to win a set, they must have a lead of at least two points. 

How Long is Each Set in High School Volleyball?

We’ve already answered “How long is a high school volleyball game?”, now let’s look at how long is each set in high school volleyball. 

On average, each set in a volleyball game lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on a few factors listed here. 

• The length of rallies and the pace of play. 
• The number of timeouts and challenges taken by the teams. 
• It also depends on the competitiveness between the teams. 

In most matches, the last set usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes as it lasts for only 15 points and not 25 or 21 points. 

How Long Do Professional Volleyball Matches Last?

How long does a professional volleyball game last? Well, the games conducted by FIVB and the Olympics follow the best-of-five format. A professional game of volleyball, on average, lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours. It depends on a number of factors such as: 

• The Number of sets played in the game. 
• Timeouts, substitutions, and video challenges are availed by the teams. 
• If the match had long rallies and closely contested points. 

How Long is a Beach Volleyball Game Compared to Indoor Volleyball?

How does the length of beach volleyball and indoor volleyball compare? Beach volleyball matches last for about 40 to 70 minutes. So, they are shorter than the indoor volleyball matches. 

The key differences between these two formats include: 

• Beach volleyball uses the best-of-three format and sets are played to 21 points. 
• Beach volleyball also has fewer players as it is played in pairs of 2 vs.2 instead of six players all at once. 
• The outdoor conditions like wind, sand, and weather also affect the pace of play. 

Due to all these things, beach volleyball games are much shorter than indoor volleyball games. 

Also Read: How Long is a High School Basketball Game?

Conclusion

So, how does a volleyball game last? Well, the duration of a game of volleyball varies with different factors such as the format, the number of sets, and the competition level. 

An average indoor volleyball game will take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours, whereas beach volleyball games will take anywhere from 40 to 70 minutes. Games for high school and recreational games will have other lengths depending on the local rules.

Clearly understanding the duration of a game helps players and fans set expectations for a match length and enjoy the sport to the fullest.