How to Play Beach Tennis: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Beach tennis is a fun and exciting sport that combines elements of tennis and beach volleyball, played on sand with a paddle and a lightweight ball. It’s becoming increasingly popular worldwide, offering a perfect mix of competitive play and a great way to stay active under the sun. Whether you’re on vacation or living near the coast, beach tennis provides an accessible and enjoyable way to engage with friends or strangers alike.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get started, from the rules of the game, to equipment, techniques, and strategies. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, this post will help you understand the essentials of beach tennis and how to play beach tennis effectively.

Key takeaways: how to play beach tennis , playing skills

Beach tennis is an exciting racquet sport played on the sand, blending tennis and beach volleyball. The game is typically played in doubles format but can also be played in singles, depending on the space available.

• History of Beach Tennis: Originating in Italy in the 1970s, the sport quickly grew in popularity due to its relaxed yet competitive nature. It became especially famous in beach destinations where the sun, sand, and sea made it an enjoyable recreational activity.

• Court Setup: Unlike tennis, beach tennis is played on a sand court measuring 16 meters in length and 8 meters in width for doubles play. The net height is usually set between 1.7 meters (for women) and 1.8 meters (for men). The court dimensions are smaller, allowing for quick movements and intense rallies.

• Why It’s Fun: Playing beach tennis is about having fun with friends while engaging in a sport that requires agility, quick reflexes, and strategy. The sand offers a natural cushion, making it safer for joints compared to traditional hard courts.

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To play beach tennis, you only need a few basic items: a paddle, a ball, and the proper attire. Here’s a breakdown:

• Beach Tennis Paddle: Unlike traditional tennis rackets, beach tennis paddles are flat, lightweight, and solid. They’re made from composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or wood. The paddle typically measures around 50-55 cm in length, with a smooth surface to allow for more control over the ball. There are no strings, unlike in traditional tennis racquets.

• Ball: The ball used in beach tennis is similar to a tennis ball but slightly softer and lighter. The ball is designed for better playability on the sand, as its lighter weight allows for longer rallies and better control. Beach tennis balls are generally non-pressurized and designed to float on sand.

• Attire: While beach tennis is a casual sport, it’s best to wear light, breathable clothing such as athletic shorts, a tank top, or a bikini for comfort. Since the sport involves a lot of movement, wearing the right footwear is important – most players prefer to play barefoot, but some opt for beach-specific shoes.

• Net: A beach tennis net is essential for organizing the playing area and defining the boundaries of the game. The net typically stands at a height of 1.7 meters (for women’s play) and 1.8 meters (for men’s play). It can be easily set up and adjusted based on player preference.

Understanding the basic rules of beach tennis is essential to playing the game well. Here are the key guidelines:

• Objective: The objective of the game is simple – hit the ball over the net and into the opposing team’s side of the court, aiming to score points by making the ball land in the opponent’s court without them returning it. The game is typically played in a rally format, with each team trying to maintain possession of the ball.

• Serving: The game starts with one player serving. In beach tennis, the serve is always underhand, and it must land within the opposing team’s service box. A player has one chance to serve, and if they miss, it counts as a fault. A second fault leads to a loss of point.

• Scoring System: Beach tennis follows a similar scoring system to traditional tennis. Points are scored as follows:

  • 0 (Love)
  • 15
  • 30
  • 40
  • Game

  Players need to win four points to win a game, and they must win by at least two points. If the score reaches 40-40, it’s called a deuce, and the next player must win two consecutive points to win the game.

• No Bouncing: Unlike traditional tennis, in beach tennis, the ball cannot bounce on the sand. If the ball bounces once on your side of the court, it counts as a loss of point.

• Winning a Set: Typically, matches are played in a best-of-three set format. A team needs to win six games to win a set, and there must be a two-game margin.

• Faults: A fault occurs when the ball is served incorrectly or if a player hits the ball out of bounds. If the ball lands outside the court or hits the net during a rally, it’s considered a fault.

Mastering the fundamentals is crucial to becoming a skilled beach tennis player. Here are some important techniques and tips for playing better:

• Footwork: Since beach tennis is played on sand, it requires strong footwork. You must adjust quickly to the slower movement of the ball. Practice quick side-to-side movements and get comfortable with the instability of the sand beneath your feet.

• Positioning: Proper positioning on the court is key to a good game. Players should keep their weight forward and their bodies in a low stance to react quickly to the ball. Good positioning allows you to strike the ball more effectively and maintain control.

• Serve: The serve in beach tennis is underhand, and while it may seem simple, mastering the underhand serve will give you an edge. Aim to keep the ball low over the net, making it difficult for your opponent to return.

• Volleys: The volley is a critical part of beach tennis. Players must develop the ability to hit volleys quickly and accurately. When volleying, make sure to use a short and quick motion. Keep the paddle steady and aim to strike the ball before it hits the sand.

• Smashes: The smash is a powerful move used to finish rallies and win points. It’s similar to a tennis overhead smash but executed on the sand. Use your body’s momentum and a strong paddle swing to hit the ball with force.

• Teamwork: If you’re playing doubles, teamwork is essential. Communicate with your partner, use hand signals, and anticipate each other’s movements. Team coordination can often be the deciding factor in close matches.

• Strategy: Developing a strategy based on your opponent’s weaknesses can lead to success. Focus on making your opponent move around the court, targeting their weaker side, and mixing up your shots to keep them off balance.

For beginners, learning the basics of beach tennis can be overwhelming, but with some practice and focus, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Here are a few steps to get you started:

• Start with a Soft Paddle and Ball: If you’re new to the game, begin with a paddle that has a soft surface and a non-pressurized ball to reduce the impact on your hands. This will help you get used to the game without worrying about intense power shots.

• Learn to Serve: The serve is one of the first skills you should master. Practice underhand serving with consistency and accuracy. Focus on getting the ball over the net and into the correct service area.

• Get Comfortable with the Sand: Playing on the sand can feel different compared to a solid court, so practice moving and positioning yourself on soft surfaces. This will help you feel more comfortable and react more effectively during rallies.

• Play in Doubles: Starting with doubles can make the game easier since there are more players to share the court. It allows you to focus on learning the basics without having to cover the entire court by yourself.

• Play Regularly: The more you play, the better you’ll get. Try to play regularly with others at your skill level to develop your techniques and strategy.

Beach tennis is a fun, energetic sport that offers a great way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or looking to improve your competitive skills, beach tennis provides an excellent balance of challenge and fun. By following the basic rules, using the right equipment, and practicing essential techniques, you’ll be on your way to becoming a proficient player in no time. So, grab your paddle, head to the beach, and start enjoying this exciting sport today!

• What is the difference between beach tennis and regular tennis?
  Beach tennis is played on sand with a solid paddle and a softer, non-bouncing ball. It combines aspects of traditional tennis and beach volleyball, with no bouncing allowed.

• Can I play beach tennis on any beach?
  Yes, as long as the beach has enough space and you can mark out the appropriate court size (16m x 8m), you can play beach tennis on most beaches.

• Do I need to be fit to play beach tennis?
  While beach tennis is a physically demanding sport, beginners can enjoy it at their own pace. Regular play will improve your fitness over time.

• How many players can play beach tennis at once?
  Beach tennis is typically played in doubles (2 players per team) but can be played in singles as well.

• What type of paddle should I use for beach tennis?
  Use a solid, lightweight paddle made of materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, specifically designed for beach tennis to enhance control and power.

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