Beach Tennis is strictly an aerial game, so it is played with volleys. The game is a hybrid of tennis, beach volleyball and badminton. Aside from the aerial aspect, the scoring system is the same as tennis. Then you bring in the net, (1.7m high) which is higher than a normal tennis net, so it is not a wham-bam thing, it is played more with finesse and skill. You only have one serve. There is no advantage system in the points scoring. Once it gets to deuce, the next point wins.

Most of all Beach Tennis is a highly energised and addictive game that can be played by everyone! It is Great Fitness and FUN.

Beach Tennis demonstrates the reasons we play sport, for passion and fun!

How can beach tennis be played on the beach? Does the ball bounce?
No, it is strictly an aerial game. All volleys.

How hard a sport is it to pick up?
Even if you are an absolute hack with other racquet sports, I guarantee that within half an hour you will start to show improvement, which is good enough for most people to want to have another go.

Is there an International body?
Yes, International Federation of Beach Tennis, based in Ravenna, Italy. They founded the sport in the world in the early ‘80’s. www.beachtennis.com Beach Tennis Australia is the IFBT – Australian representative.

Is there a World Championship for beach tennis?
Yes, it is held in Marina di Ravenna, Italy every year

Who are the best players in the world?
Last year at the World Championship, Italy won and France came second. Italy and France (Reunion Island) have the best players in the world.

How much does it differ from tennis?
Aside from the aerial aspect, the scoring system is the same as tennis. Then you bring in the net, which is higher than a normal net so it is not a wham-bam thing, it is played more with finesse and skill. You only have one-serve, so it is a no-fault system. You can always get a fair idea on how long a game will go for because there is no advantage system in the points scoring. Once it gets to deuce, the next point wins.

How high is the net? What is the size of the court?
1.7m high. same for men, women and kids. The whole court is 16m x 8m, same size as beach volleyball.

Do you play singles & Doubles & Mixed in beach tennis?
Yes. In mixed doubles the man must serve underarm. So, it makes the mixed very competitive and fun for all.

What about the equipment, is it the same as tennis?
The racquets are made of fibreglass and graphite but have no strings. It’s a solid face. The balls are low compression balls.

Where can you play against the best players in Australia?
At the Australian International Beach Tennis Championships which is held every year in Melbourne, Australia in January where some of the best in the world come to play. They have hosted the top players from Italy, France and Portugal over the last 2 years it has been running. www.beachtennis.com.au