Indoor sand volleyball courts provide athletes with a year-round training and playing opportunity, free from weather-related interruptions. While building these courts requires careful planning and execution, the end result can be a game-changing facility for your volleyball community. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Planning and Location

Before starting construction, it’s critical to identify the right location and set a clear plan for your project:

  • Recreational big court
    The recommended size for recreational play is 60 ft by 30 ft, which can accommodate four-on-four or six-on-six games.
  • Competitive doubles small court
    The standard size for competitive play is 52.6 ft by 26.3 ft, which is the FIVB and NCAA recommended size. Ensure there is sufficient space for multiple courts, walkways, and seating.
  • Ceiling Height: Indoor sand courts require a minimum ceiling height of 26-30 feet to allow for safe and effective play.
  • Permits and Regulations: Check local zoning laws, building permits, and safety regulations before starting construction.
  • Purpose: Clarify whether the courts are for training, tournaments, or recreational play, as this will affect design choices and materials.
Step 2: Building the Foundation

The foundation of an indoor sand court is crucial to prevent drainage issues and sand contamination:

  • Excavation: Remove 12-18 inches of soil to prepare for the sand/gravel base.
  • Base Layer: Since it’s indoors, a full drainage system may not be necessary. Lay a gravel base (4 inches thick) to help with stability and moisture control. Use a cheaper grade sand for the bottom 4-6 inches, then fill the remaining 12-16 inches with high-quality sand.
  • Geotextile Fabric: Place a special geotextile liner over the sand/gravel to prevent the top layer sand from mixing with the base layer. This is critical for maintaining clean and consistent sand quality.
Step 3: Selecting and Adding Sand

The sand is the heart of any volleyball court. Make the smart one time investment and use high-quality sand to ensure safety and performance:

  • Sand Type: Choose washed, rounded sand (beach-like texture) with minimal dust, dirt, and clay. Avoid sharp, angular sand that can cause abrasions.
  • Depth: Add 12-16 inches of sand to the court, spreading it evenly to create a consistent playing surface.
Step 4: Court Layout and Net Systems

With the sand in place, you can set up the court:

  • Court Dimensions: Mark the court boundaries using durable lines. Decide in advance whether you will run your training or leagues on the standard court size or the smaller doubles court.
  • Net Systems: Purchase a pole and net system that allows for easy height adjustments. If you frequently switch between league play or training for different groups, simplifying this process will save time and ensure safety.
  • Lighting: For evening play, install overhead LED lighting to provide clear visibility without creating glare. Position the lights carefully—certain angles, such as when players look up to set or attack the ball, can be problematic if lighting is poorly positioned.
Step 5: Environmental Controls

Maintaining an indoor sand court environment requires temperature and humidity management:

  • HVAC System: Install a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to keep the facility comfortable year-round.
  • Air Circulation: Use industrial fans on the ceiling or floor to move air efficiently and keep sand dry. Your clients will also benefit from the cooling effects from the moving air.
  • Dust Control: If clean, high-quality sand is not locally available, consider adding nearby plumbing access to lightly water the sand and control the dust.
Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance

To keep your courts in top condition:

  • Sand Grooming: Regularly rake and level the sand several times a week to remove low spots and uneven surfaces. Invest in concrete placer rakes for pushing and pulling sand efficiently. You will also need to have square point shovels for moving larger volumes of sand for quick and efficient leveling.
  • Sand Cleaning: Periodically sift the sand to remove debris and contaminants.
  • Equipment Checks: Inspect net systems, boundary lines, and padding to ensure everything remains safe and functional.

Building indoor sand volleyball courts requires carefully planning and planning ahead. It is also an investment that can bring tremendous value to athletes, coaches, and the broader volleyball community. By focusing on quality construction, proper materials, and ongoing maintenance, you can create a facility that serves players for years to come with minimal upkeep. Whether you’re constructing courts for a club, school, or community program, careful planning and execution will help you deliver a professional-grade playing experience.

Step by Step Guide to Build an Outdoor Sand Volleyball Court.

View more resource to start and run a beach volleyball club.

This article was a collaboration with JVA Beach Coordinator and Dakine Beach (tacoma, WA) Director TJ Staples, and JVA Club Director from Team One (Chicago, IL), Taye Im.