How it works
In the indoor game 12 men's and 12 women's teams (six athletes on each side) will play initially in two pools of six with each team playing against each other in their pool. The eight best teams from this phase will qualify for the knockout phase, with the winners of the semi-finals eventually going head to head for the gold.
In beach volleyball 24 teams will compete in both the men's and women's event with 16 going through to the knockout rounds
Who's hot
In the indoor men's event the US beat Brazil to the gold in 2008 whilst in the women's event the result was reversed. Expect these two nations to be favourites again in 2012 but they will be pushed hard by the likes of Russia and China who will be among the favourites in the beach volleyball event too
Home hopes
Some impressive results at the European Championships and in the European League have given the home teams encouragement. After some serious concerns over a lack of funding it was confirmed recently that both the GB indoor and beach volleyball teams would compete at 2012
The road to London
13-19 June 2011 Beach volleyball world championships in Rome
10-18 December 2011
Olympic qualification tournaments in various countries (indoor)
The stage
Earls Court will be the venue for the volleyball competition in 2012. A conference and exhibition since its opening in 1937 Earls Court will resume its traditional function once the games have finished.
The beach volleyball competition meanwhile will be held at Horse Guards Parade with a temporary arena and sand brought in to create London's very own beach
What they say
"To be a part of the Team GB family is a massive honour. It comes with high demands and expectations, but we are ready, able and proven in meeting these demands"
Ben Pipes, men's indoor team captain
Did you know?
The US has won five of the eight Olympic gold medals awarded since beach volleyball was introduced to the Games in 1996
Competition dates
28 July-12 August (Indoor volleyball)
28 July-9 August (Beach volleyball)
Ticket prices
£20 - £185 (indoor volleyball)
£20 - £450 (beach volleyball)
Tempted to be there?
You can apply for tickets between 15 March and 26 April. Visit www.tickets.london2012.com
The application process for tickets for the Paralympic Games will begin on 9 September 2011, and tickets for the London 2012 Festival (part of the Cultural Olympiad) in October 2011
