Beach tennis is a sport that has emerged from the combination between racket sports and beach sports.   It is played with a racquet or paddle and a ball without pressure. The game is to move quickly, above and within the limits marked, and with one or more opponents. It is usually played in groups as 2-on-2 (best for advanced players), 3-on-3 (for intermediate players and social fun) and 4-on-4 (for beginners and party with friends and family).

 This sport is being increasingly practiced since the International Tennis Federation assumed in 2008 the responsibility and the development of the Beach Tennis Tour throughout the world.

The basic rules are summarized below, along with an introduction video, and the full rule book is also available via the links on this page.

Court 
Similar in size to a beach volleyball court, 16m long x 8m wide.

Surface 
Sand!

Net 
The net is 1.7m in height.

Equipment 
Paddle bats (no strings) and Stage 2 (low compression "orange") balls are used.

Scoring 
Exactly the same scoring system is used as for regular tennis, except with the permanent use of no-Advantage, after Deuce. Plus there is no second service and no service let.

Playing the game 
The game is predominantly played between doubles teams, although singles can be played on a smaller court. Under and overarm serves are permitted and either member of the receiving team may return the service. A point is won if the ball hits the ground in the opposing court or if the opponents hit (or serve) the ball out or into the net.

Click here for the Official Handbook of Rules Beach Tennis 2014

Click here for the Official Handbook of Rules Beach Tennis 2014 – Spanish  

Click here for ITF Beach Tennis Tour Rules and Regulations 2014

Click here for ITF Beach Tennis Tour Rules and Regulations 2014 – Spanish