THE HISTORY OF
BEACH TENNIS
Beach tennis started in the early 1970s when a group of friends gathered on an Italian beach. They ingeniously combined elements of tennis and volleyball, using tennis rackets, tennis balls, and a volleyball net. This fusion of sports became what we now know as beach tennis. The first official matches under the tennis rules we know today took place on the sandy beaches of Spain in 1976, with the sport's inaugural championship following suit in 1978.
Beach tennis retains many aspects of traditional tennis, such as scoring, but infuses it with elements of volleyball, creating an exhilarating and fast-paced game. The primary objective in beach tennis is to keep the ball from touching the ground, allowing players just one opportunity to return the ball over the net. Learn more about beach tennis rules and gameplay.
One of the distinguishing features of beach tennis is its court size. Unlike the expansive dimensions of a standard tennis court, the beach tennis court measures 26 feet 3 inches (8 meters) in width and 52 feet 6 inches (16 meters) in length, with the net set at a height of 5 feet 6 3/4 inches (1.7 meters) above the ground.
Beyond these fundamental aspects, beach tennis has grown to become a global sensation, with enthusiasts and players hailing from over 50 countries and nearly a million participants worldwide. This remarkable journey is further bolstered by the support and sanctioning of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), underscoring its recognition on the international stage.
ABOUT BEYOND BEACH TENNIS
At Beyond Beach Tennis, we're not just passionate about the sport; we're on a mission to take it to new heights. We're dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of beach tennis enthusiasts and promoting and advancing the sport in the Midwestern United States and beyond. Our journey began with a passion for this exhilarating sport, and we've set our sights on becoming the go-to destination for everything beach tennis.
We are committed to expanding the reach of beach tennis, offering training opportunities, developing leagues, establishing tournaments, and becoming a leading influencer in the sport.
OUR MISSION
Our vision extends beyond the Midwest, where Beyond Beach Tennis becomes a catalyst for a global community of beach tennis enthusiasts. We're committed to fostering a worldwide network of players and teams, uniting the sport's aficionados from all corners of the globe.
As we move forward, we aspire to elevate the beach tennis experience for everyone. Beyond Beach Tennis isn't just about playing the game; it's a lifestyle. Our store offers an array of top-tier equipment, custom merchandise, athletic apparel, and beach tennis kits to get you started. We're here to equip you with the finest gear and support your passion for beach tennis.
OUR VISION
Beach tennis is a thrilling and fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis and volleyball.
Understanding its rules is key to enjoying the game to the fullest.
BEACH TENNIS
RULES AND GAMEPLAY
COURT & EQUIPMENT
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The beach tennis court is smaller than a standard tennis court, measuring about 26 feet in width and 52 feet in length (8 meters by 16 meters).
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The net is set at a height of 5 feet 6 3/4 inches (1.7 meters) above the ground.
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Players use beach tennis paddles, which are a solid core fiberglass or carbon fiber paddle and a depressurized stage 2 tennis ball designed for beach tennis.
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When serving, the server may stand anywhere behind the baseline
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The serve shall pass over the net before the receiving team can return it
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There is no second chance serve
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Serves can be overarm or underarm except in mixed doubles in which male players serve underarm
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During service the server cannot change position once set or touch the baseline including underneath the baseline ribbon.
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If the ball hits the net play continues as normal
SERVICE
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Beach tennis uses a scoring system similar to traditional tennis : love, 15, 30, 40, game However, it's common to simplify scoring by using just the numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3, game
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In the event of a deuce[tie] the next point wins
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the first team to 7 games wins the set, provided there is a 2 game margin. If needed a tie break game is played
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Matches are typically played as best of three sets, with the first side to win two sets winning the match.
SCORING
PLAY
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After the serve, the game proceeds like tennis. Each team takes turns hitting the ball over the net, aiming to keep it in play.
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A rally continues until the ball touches the ground, a player fails to return it, or it goes out of bounds.
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Players have only one chance to hit the ball back over the net.
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The ball is allowed to touch the net during a rally as long as it continues over to the opponent's side.
FAULTS & LET
Points are awarded when the ball lands outside the boundary ribbon, hits the sand or is not returned across the net.
WINNING THE SET & MATCH
Game - first to 4 points .Love, 15 , 30 , 40 , game
Set - first to win 6 games , 2 game margin
Match - best of 3
Beach tennis is not just about rules and points; it's about having fun and enjoying the sun, sand, and the company of fellow players. So, grab your paddle, hit the sand, and let the games begin!