Beach tennis is a discipline that prioritizes attack and speed. In this context, the service occupies a central place because it follows rules that are very different from those of classic tennis.

Only One Chance to Succeed

Unlike traditional tennis, a beach tennis player has only one attempt. If they commit a net fault or if the ball falls outside the court boundaries, the point is immediately awarded to the opponent. This rule imposes constant pressure on the server, who must find the right balance between power and safety to avoid giving away free points.

The Total Absence of "Let"

This is arguably the most surprising feature for beginners. In beach tennis, the "let" does not exist. If the ball hits the top of the net and falls into the opponent's court, play continues normally. This requires extreme vigilance from the receivers, as the trajectory can be completely altered at the last moment. This rule avoids interruptions and maintains a high intensity throughout the match.

Total Freedom of Placement

The server can choose to stand anywhere behind their baseline. Unlike most racket sports, they are not obliged to serve diagonally. They can aim for any area of the opponent's court, making the service a formidable tactical weapon. This freedom allows the server to surprise the opponent and take control of the exchange from the very first stroke.

An Accelerated Pace of Play

All these specificities aim to make the exchanges more dynamic. Without a second ball or the repetition of serves that touch the net, downtime is reduced to a minimum. Beach tennis then becomes a particularly dynamic sport where everyone must sharpen their reflexes to perfection.

Conclusion

The service in beach tennis is not just a simple start to the play; the pressure it imposes and the tactical dimension associated with this serve require maximum concentration even before the ball is tossed. And if a let occurs? You’d better be ready!