Beach tennis, a captivating sport that merges aspects of tennis and beach volleyball, is regulated by an extensive set of rules and regulations established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). To effectively play beach tennis and fully appreciate the game, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of beach tennis rules.
As the name implies, beach tennis is played primarily on sandy beaches and incorporates features from both tennis and volleyball. With this basic knowledge of the sport, let's delve into the essential rules that govern beach tennis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the game.
Basic Beach Tennis Rules
The following fundamental guidelines will provide insight into the rules of beach tennis. Each guideline will be expanded upon in greater detail in the subsequent sections:
- Court dimensions: The width of the court varies for singles (4.5 meters) and doubles (8 meters), while the length remains consistent for both at 16 meters.
- Net height: The net is set at a height of 1.7 meters.
- Balls: Stage 2 (low compression orange) balls are utilized.
- Rackets: Non-stringed rackets with a maximum length and width of 55 cm x 30 cm are required.
- Match structure: Matches consist of the best of three sets. Players must win six games with a two-game lead to secure a set; otherwise, a tie-breaker is played.
- Scoring system: The point system is similar to traditional tennis, with love, 15, 30, 40, and deuce. The winner of the subsequent point after the deuce claims the game.
- Doubles serving: In doubles matches, either receiver can return the server's serve.
- Receiver's position: Receivers can stand anywhere inside or outside the lines on their side of the court.
- Ball in play: A ball touching the line is deemed within the court's boundaries.
- Serving rotation: Serving alternates every other game between teams, and each player serves once every four games in a set.
- Faults: Second services are not permitted; in the case of a fault, the point is awarded to the opposing team.
- Lets: Unlike traditional tennis, there are no lets in beach tennis.
ITF's Role in Beach Tennis Rules
The ITF is responsible for overseeing beach tennis rules and regulations, similar to its role in traditional tennis. A Beach Tennis Committee within the ITF is charged with monitoring the sport and its rules worldwide.
If necessary, this committee can make recommendations to the Rules of Tennis Committee, which then communicates any changes directly to the ITF Board of Directors.
Detailed Breakdown of Beach Tennis Rules
Court Dimensions
In beach tennis, court dimensions differ depending on whether singles or doubles matches are being played. Singles courts have a width of 4.5 meters, while doubles courts measure 8 meters wide. The length of the court is consistent for both singles and doubles at 16 meters.
Net Height
The net height for beach tennis is set at 1.7 meters, which is the regulation height for both singles and doubles matches.
Balls and Rackets
Beach tennis utilizes Stage 2 (low-compression orange) balls, which are designed specifically for this sport. Players must use non-stringed beach tennis rackets with a maximum length and width of 55 cm x 30 cm.
Match Structure and Scoring System
Matches in beach tennis consist of the best of three sets. To win a set, players must secure six games while maintaining a two-game lead over their opponent. If this condition is not met, a tie-breaker is played to determine the set winner.
The scoring system in beach tennis is similar to traditional tennis, using love, 15, 30, 40, and deuce. The player who wins the point immediately following the deuce claims the game.
Doubles Serving and Receiver's Position
In doubles matches, either receiver can return the server's serve, allowing for greater flexibility and strategic play. Receivers can stand anywhere within or outside the lines on their side of the court when waiting to return the serve.
Ball in Play and Serving Rotation
A ball is considered in play if it touches the boundary line, indicating that it is within the court's confines. The serving rotation alternates every other game between teams, and each player serves once every four games in a set.
Faults and Lets
Unlike traditional tennis, beach tennis does not allow for second services. In the event of a fault, the point is awarded to the opposing team. Additionally, there are no lets in beach tennis, which differentiates it from regular tennis rules.
The Bottom Line
Mastering the beach tennis rules is essential for players looking to enjoy the sport and compete at a higher level. By understanding the court dimensions, equipment requirements, scoring system, and the role of the International Tennis Federation in governing beach tennis, players can confidently participate in this exciting and fast-paced sport.
FAQs
How do you play beach tennis?
Beach tennis is played on a sandy court, usually at a beach, with a net height of 1.7 meters. Players use non-stringed rackets and low-compression orange balls (Stage 2). Singles matches are played on a court measuring 4.5 meters wide and 16 meters long, while doubles matches are played on a court that is 8 meters wide and 16 meters long. The sport follows a similar scoring system to traditional tennis, and matches are typically played as best of three sets.
How do you score beach tennis?
Scoring in beach tennis follows a system similar to traditional tennis: love (0 points), 15 (1 point), 30 (2 points), and 40 (3 points). When both players or teams reach 40, it is called a deuce. The player or team that wins the next point after a deuce secures the game. To win a set, players must win six games while maintaining a two-game lead over their opponent. If this condition is not met, a tie-breaker is played to determine the set winner.
How many serves are there in beach tennis?
In beach tennis, players have only one serve per point. If a player commits a fault on their serve, the point is awarded to the opposing team. Unlike traditional tennis, there are no second serves or lets in beach tennis.
What is beach tennis a combination of three games?
Beach tennis combines elements of three different sports: tennis, beach volleyball, and badminton. The sport takes its scoring system, serving, and general gameplay from tennis, while adopting the sandy playing surface and fast-paced nature of beach volleyball. Additionally, the use of non-stringed rackets and the style of play resemble badminton. This unique combination makes beach tennis an engaging and exciting sport that is growing in popularity around the world.
