When do teams switch sides?

Under the FIVB Official Beach Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, teams switch sides after every 7 points played in sets 1 and 2, and after every 5 points played in the deciding third set.

During a switch the teams must change immediately without delay. If a switch is not made at the proper time, it takes place as soon as the error is noticed, and the score at that time stays the same.

At the start, the first referee runs the toss to decide the first service and the sides of the court. The toss winner chooses either to serve or receive, or the side of the court, and the loser takes the remaining choice. In the second set the loser of the first toss chooses first, and a new toss is held for the deciding set.