What is Beach Tennis Called?
Beach tennis is an exciting and relatively new sport that has been gaining a lot of attention around the world. It is a variation of the traditional game of tennis, but it is played on the beach or other sand surfaces. It is also sometimes referred to as beach tennis, beach paddle, sand paddle, or sand volley. Beach tennis is a fun, physically demanding sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
History of Beach Tennis
The roots of beach tennis can be traced back to the 1970s in the United States. It was popularized by two brothers, Steve and Brad Merrick, who began playing the game on the beaches of New Jersey. The brothers developed the game to be more fast-paced and action-packed than the traditional game of tennis.
In the early 2000s, the game of beach tennis began to spread from the United States to Europe. It was quickly embraced by beachgoers in Italy and Spain, and the first official beach tennis tournaments were held in 2004. Since then, beach tennis has grown in popularity and is now played in over 20 countries around the world.
How to Play Beach Tennis
Beach tennis is played with two players on a sand court that is approximately 20×10 feet. Players use a paddle to hit a soft, lightweight ball over a low net. The game is similar to traditional tennis, but it is played at a much faster pace.
The basic rules of beach tennis are similar to tennis. Points are scored when the ball is not returned correctly, and the first player to reach 11 points wins the game. The ball can be served, volleyed, or smashed, and each player is allowed two serves per turn.
Beach Tennis Equipment
Beach tennis requires some special equipment in order to be played properly. The most important piece of equipment is the paddle, which is made from wood or composite materials. The paddles come in a variety of sizes and weights, and can be customized to fit the player’s hand size.
In addition to the paddle, beach tennis players must also have a soft, lightweight ball. The balls are designed to bounce lower and slower than traditional tennis balls, making them easier to control on sand surfaces.
Benefits of Beach Tennis
Beach tennis is a great way to stay active and have fun in the sun. It provides a full-body workout that can improve agility, strength, and endurance. Beach tennis is also a great way to socialize and meet new people. Players of all ages can enjoy the game, and it can be played on a wide variety of sand surfaces.
Types of Beach Tennis
Beach tennis can be played in a variety of formats and styles. The most popular format is singles, which is played with two players on a court. Doubles is another popular format, and it is played with four players on a larger court.
In addition to singles and doubles, beach tennis can also be played in mixed doubles and mixed fours. Mixed doubles is played with two men and two women, while mixed fours is played with four players, two men and two women.
Beach Tennis Tournaments
Beach tennis tournaments are held around the world, and they attract players of all levels. Tournaments range from local, regional, and national events to major international events. Major tournaments are held annually in many countries, and they offer large cash prizes and world ranking points.
Beach Tennis Organizations
There are several organizations that promote and govern beach tennis around the world. The two largest organizations are the World Beach Tennis Federation (WBTF) and the Beach Tennis Tour (BTT).
The WBTF is the international governing body for beach tennis, and it is responsible for setting the rules and regulations for the sport. The BTT is a professional beach tennis tour, and it organizes and promotes tournaments around the world.
Beach Tennis Tips
Beach tennis is an exciting and challenging sport, and there are some tips that can help improve your game. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Master the Serve
The serve is the most important shot in beach tennis, and it is important to practice it regularly. Focus on mastering the technique and getting the ball in the correct position.
2. Use the Forehand
The forehand is the most effective shot in beach tennis, so it is important to practice it regularly. Try to hit the ball with maximum power, but also with control.
3. Improve Your Footwork
Good footwork is essential for beach tennis, so it is important to practice your movement around the court. Try to stay light on your feet and move quickly.
4. Don’t Over-Think
Beach tennis is a fast-paced game, and it is important to stay focused and not over-think your shots. Make sure you stay in the moment and react quickly.
5. Have Fun
Most importantly, beach tennis should be fun! Try to enjoy the game and have fun with your friends.
Conclusion
Beach tennis is an exciting and fast-paced sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. It is a great way to stay active and meet new people. The game requires some special equipment, such as paddles and balls, and there are numerous organizations and tournaments around the world. With a bit of practice and dedication, anyone can become a successful beach tennis player.