A standard volleyball game is typically played in a best-of-five sets format, especially in professional, international, and collegiate competitions. This means the first team to win three sets wins the match
. Set structure details:
- The first four sets are played to 25 points.
- A team must win a set by at least a two-point margin.
- If the match goes to a deciding fifth set, it is played to 15 points, also requiring a two-point margin to win
Variations by level:
- High school and middle school volleyball often use a best-of-three sets format, where the first two sets are played to 25 points and the third, if necessary, to 15 points
- Beach volleyball typically uses a best-of-three sets format, with the first two sets played to 21 points and the third set to 15 points
- Some recreational or club tournaments may also use best-of-three sets or even shorter formats depending on the rules
In summary, the most common and official format for indoor volleyball is best- of-five sets, with the first four sets to 25 points and the fifth set to 15 points.
