Forget about clay and grass courts. Imagine a beach volleyball court, a tennis net, and a festive atmosphere. Welcome to the world of beach tennis, a hybrid sport that is growing in popularity. Combining the precision of tennis, the aerial play of badminton, and the physical demands of beach volleyball, this discipline offers a fun and dynamic alternative to traditional racket sports. Ideal for having fun, exercising, and enjoying the sun, beach tennis is the perfect activity for your vacation... and beyond!

A hybrid sport: the essential rules to know

The rules of beach tennis are simple and contribute to its high accessibility.

• No bounce! This is the most important rule. Unlike tennis, the ball must be hit before it touches the ground. The game is played exclusively with volleys, which makes rallies fast and spectacular.

• The court: It has the same dimensions as a beach volleyball court (16 meters long by 8 meters wide for doubles). The net is stretched in the middle, at a height of 1.70 meters.

• The serve: The serve is done in a single attempt. The player must serve over the net, and if the ball touches the net and goes over, the play continues. This is the only case where a "let" is allowed.

• The score: The scoring is simple, based on the tennis model (15-30-40-game). There is no "advantage" (ad): at 40-40, it's a decisive point. Matches are generally played as the best of 3 sets of 6 games.

The equipment: stringless rackets and depressurized balls

Beach tennis equipment is adapted to the specific nature of playing on sand.

• The racket: It is rigid, stringless, and has holes to make it lighter and more aerodynamic. Made of carbon or fiberglass, it resembles a padel racket but with a larger hitting surface.

• The ball: A depressurized tennis ball is used (often "Stage 2" or "orange" type). It is slower and bounces lower than a classic tennis ball, which facilitates rallies.

• Footwear: Beach tennis is generally played barefoot. This allows for better stability on the sand and reduces the impact on joints. Neoprene socks can be used to protect the feet from heat or cold.

The benefits of beach tennis: sport, fun, and socializing

Beach tennis is much more than just a sport. It offers numerous advantages that explain its popularity.

• A full-body workout: Playing on sand intensively engages leg muscles, strengthens cardio, and improves agility and reflexes. It's an excellent way to get a workout without it feeling like a chore.

• Low impact on joints: The sandy surface absorbs shocks, which makes the sport gentle on the knees and ankles, ideal for people of all ages.

• A social and festive sport: Beach tennis is almost always played in doubles, which encourages communication and teamwork. It's often played to music, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that fosters new connections.

Conclusion: a sport to discover immediately

Combining the excitement of a racket sport with the laid-back beach vibe, beach tennis is a discipline that is both physically demanding and very accessible. Whether you are an experienced tennis player or just curious to try a new activity, there's a good chance you'll fall under the spell of this sport.