When do teams switch sides in volleyball?

Full Explanation

Per FIVB Rule 18.2.1, teams change courts after each set, except before the deciding 5th set, when a new toss decides the sides and the first service (FIVB Rule 7.1). In the deciding set, once the leading team reaches 8 points, the teams change courts without delay and the player positions remain the same (FIVB Rule 18.2.2). Each set after the first is started by the team that did not serve first in the previous set (FIVB Rule 12.1.2). The toss before the match decides which team serves first and which side each team takes in the first set (FIVB Rule 7.1). Under NFHS rules, teams change courts between sets (state associations may modify this) and do not change courts during the deciding set. Under USAV rules, the default is that each team stays on its side for the whole match, including the deciding set; if the organizer orders court changes, the deciding-set change happens when the leading team reaches 8 points. Under 2026-27 NCAA women's rules, teams change sides at the end of the second set, the deciding-set coin toss winner may choose the side, and teams stay on their sides for the whole fifth set.

Rulesets covered: FIVB/USAV/NFHS/NCAA  |  Rule Reference: FIVB Rule 18.2; FIVB Rule 7.1; FIVB Rule 12.1; USAV Rule 18.2; NCAA Rule 9.2.4