Beach tennis is an exciting and fast-paced sport gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts and beachgoers. Played on sand with a racket and low-compression tennis ball, it's excellent cross-training that enhances agility, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
Court and Gameplay Basics
The court is 16 meters long and 8 meters wide, with a net height of 1.7 meters. Each half is divided into service and receiving boxes.
Scoring
Points follow traditional tennis counting — love, 15, 30, 40, game. Deuce rules apply with a maximum of three deuces per game. Winners need 7 games with a 2-game margin to take a set (extending to 9 if necessary). Tiebreaks occur at 6-all.
Serving
The server begins and serves from the baseline, without stepping over the line until they connect with the ball. Players receive one serve per point and may stand anywhere along the baseline.
Returning and Rally Play
Receivers must return serves before the ball bounces. Rally continues until one player fails to return, hits out of bounds, or nets the ball.
The Let Rule
If the ball hits the net and lands in bounds during play, it's a let and the point is replayed.
Key Differences from Traditional Tennis
- No doubles alleys
- Smaller courts
- No serving volleys
- You can play the ball off the net on serves or returns
Learning Opportunities at OLA
OLA provides private classes with experienced coaches teaching footwork, racket control, and strategy. Cross-training classes combine fitness development with skill-building through guided exercises and drills.
Private classes meet Tuesdays at 4 and 5 PM in Santa Monica, Tower 26.
Ready to play?
Find an OLA session near you, from Open Play to League to Academy.