What is footvolley? (and why you should try it)

Imagine beach volleyball with a soccer ball and no hands. That is footvolley — born on Rio’s Copacabana Beach in 1965 and now spreading worldwide.

Originally created by Octavio de Moraes, footvolley has become a vibrant mix of competition, beach culture, and pure fun. It blends the strategy of volleyball with the ball control skills of soccer, making it unique and addictive.

After reading this, you'll

• Understand the core rules and how a rally works
• Know the court, net, and ball basics
• Learn why players get hooked and what skills carry over from soccer and volleyball
• Find starter tips and where to play in Florida

What it is

Footvolley is typically played 2 vs 2 on a standard beach volleyball court. Players can use their feet, chest, head, or thighs, but never their hands or arms. Teams have up to three touches before sending the ball over the net, similar to volleyball.

A typical rally flows quickly, with creative flicks, overhead kicks, and precise ball control. Matches are often as entertaining to watch as they are to play.

Court, gear, and setup

• Court size: 8 × 16 meters, same as beach volleyball
• Net height: About 2.20 m for men, 2.00–2.10 m for women (varies by event)
• Ball: A soccer ball, often the Mikasa FT-5 or FT-5 Pro
• Footwear: Usually barefoot on sand, but sand socks are an option for comfort
• Optional: Sunglasses or a hat for sun protection

Rules and scoring

• Up to three touches per team before sending the ball over
• No hands or arms allowed at any time
• Serves can be kicked or hit with another legal body part
• Rally scoring system is common, with sets played to 18 or 21 points
• Matches are usually best of three sets

Why people love it

Footvolley combines the technical touch and creativity of soccer with the teamwork and tactics of volleyball. It is social, fast-paced, and played outdoors in a relaxed atmosphere. Players build core strength, balance, and agility without feeling like they are stuck in a workout.

It is also inclusive — beginners can enjoy casual rallies while experienced players push each other with advanced tricks and quick reactions.

Get started fast

1. Practice ball control: Juggle with your feet, thighs, and head to build touch
2. Try wall drills: Kick the ball against a wall using only legal touches
3. Join a pickup game: Watch a few rallies first, then ask to rotate in
4. Learn positioning: Stay balanced, move as a team, and communicate constantly

Where to play in Florida

Florida’s beaches are home to an active footvolley community, especially in Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Clearwater. Notable spots include:

• 3rd Street courts, Miami Beach
• Coconut Grove parks and beaches
• Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach

Many communities have informal meetups — check local social media groups or ask around at the courts.

Ready to try it?

Whether you come from a soccer background, volleyball, or neither, footvolley offers a fresh way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new people. All you need is a ball, a net, and a little curiosity.