Footvolley is one of the fastest-growing beach sports in Brazil, and Florianópolis is one of the main hubs in the country. If you have never played, this guide explains what the sport is, what you need to get started and how a beginner evolves, from the first touch to the first real matches.
What is footvolley
Footvolley was born on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s and combines football fundamentals with the dynamics of beach volleyball. It is played in pairs, on a sand court with a net, and the core rule is simple: you can touch the ball with any part of your body except hands and arms.
Each pair is allowed up to three touches before sending the ball back over the net. The combination of reception, set and attack creates a technical, intense game that is a lot of fun to watch and to play.
Do I need to know how to play football?
No. Football experience helps with ball control, but it is not a requirement. Footvolley has its own fundamentals, such as chest and thigh reception, foot sets and attacking, which are taught from scratch in beginner classes.
Many students arrive at CT Riozinho with no ball experience at all and progress quickly precisely because they learn correct technique from day one, without bad habits.
The first fundamentals
Every beginner goes through the same base: reception (cushioning the ball with chest, thigh or foot), setting (putting the ball in place for your partner’s attack) and attacking (sending the ball over the net with your foot or head, the famous "shark attack").
In the first weeks, the focus is ball control and reading trajectories on sand. Once the base is solid, playing in pairs starts to flow naturally.
Equipment: what to bring to class
Footvolley requires very little equipment: light, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a cap or visor and a water bottle. The game is played barefoot on sand.
At CT Riozinho the ball is provided by the club, so you do not need to buy anything to start. Your own ball only makes sense later, when you want to practice outside class hours.
How the trial class works
The best way to start is with a trial class in a group at your level. At CT Riozinho, groups are split by level (beginner, intermediate and advanced), with coaches following each student’s progress.
Reference plans are R$ 160 per month for 1 class per week and R$ 280 per month for 2 classes per week. To book a trial class, just message the club on WhatsApp.
Common beginner mistakes
The three most common beginner mistakes are: trying to attack before mastering reception, training without guidance (and building habits that are hard to fix later) and comparing yourself with players who have years of experience.
Progress in footvolley comes with consistency: 1 to 2 classes per week, with correct technique, show visible results within a few months. Rotation sessions and matches between students speed up game reading once the base is ready.
Want to learn on the court?
Book a trial class