What is Beach Tennis

The Essentials of Beach Tennis

​Beach tennis is a fast, exciting racquet sport that blends elements of tennis, beach volleyball, and badminton. Played entirely on sand, the game is known for its continuous rallies, sociable atmosphere, and low-impact movement, making it easy for beginners to get started while still providing plenty of challenge for experienced players.

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Although traditionally associated with beaches, beach tennis can be played on any suitable sand court, including purpose-built inland facilities

The sport has been growing internationally for over 50 years, with major hubs in Italy, Brazil, and Spain. Today, it is played in more than 50 countries and continues to expand rapidly.

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How Beach Tennis is Played

Beach tennis is played on a sand court measuring 16m x 8m for doubles, with a 1.7m net height. Singles is played on a 4.5m-wide court
 

Core Rules

• The ball must be struck before it bounces — all play is volleyed.

• The rally continues until the ball touches the sand, goes out, or hits the net.

• Serves may be underarm or overarm but must be hit without a bounce.

• Players serve from behind the baseline.

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Scoring System

Beach tennis uses a simplified version of tennis scoring:

• Points: 15 / 30 / 40 / Game

• No-advantage scoring (at 40–40, play a deciding point)

• No second serve — a service fault loses the point
   

Match Formats

• Best of 3 sets

• Sets played to 6 games, with a tie-break at 6–6 (shorter sets can be played)

• If the match reaches one set all, a 10-point super tie-break decides the winner

Playing Formats

• Primarily played as doubles (men’s, women’s, and mixed)

• Singles can also be played as gaining momentum

• Suitable for beginners, recreational players, and elite athletes

• Played barefoot on sand, making it low impact on joints

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Equipment Used​

           Sand Court                                                                     Rackets                                                          Balls      

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

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The Global Growth of Beach Tennis

Beach tennis continues to grow internationally, with an expanding ITF World Tour and playing communities across the world.

• 491 ITF Beach Tennis tournaments were held across 32 countries in 2024 – a 51% increase on 2023

• The ITF Beach Tennis World Tour now includes events across six continents

• Brazil remains a major global hub for the sport, alongside established beach tennis communities across Europe and other regions

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Official Framework

BTUK’s rules align with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Beach Tennis Rulebook, ensuring consistency with global standards and supporting player development at all levels.
 

Beach Tennis Today

The sport continues to grow with increasing interest, a growing social community and expanding opportunities to play at more UK locations.​

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Taster Session
Join a friendly adult intro session, suitable for all abilities. (Junior taster sessions available on request)