The RuleCan the Ball Bounce?
The single rule that makes beach tennis what it is. settled in one line, then explained.
No. In beach tennis the ball may not bounce. it must be returned as a volley before it touches the sand. A ball that bounces is out of play and the point is lost.
A Pure Volley Game.
The no-bounce rule is the defining feature of beach tennis and the biggest difference from tennis, padel, and pickleball. Because every shot is a volley, rallies are fast and reflex-driven, court positioning near the net is everything, and the depressurized ball (which travels slower) keeps points playable.
It also shapes strategy: lobs become powerful (you cannot let one bounce and recover), and the smash is the signature finishing shot. See how to play.
Score It With BeachTennisRef.App.
- BeachTennisRef.App scores the rally outcome. you tap who won; it handles serve, score, and the tie-break.
- No need to track anything but the result of each volley.
Common Questions.
No. the ball must be played in the air as a volley before it touches the sand. If it bounces, the point is lost.
Beach tennis is designed as a volley game. the no-bounce rule keeps rallies fast and is the main difference from tennis, padel, and pickleball.
If a ball you are returning touches the sand before you hit it, the point is over. you can only win by volleying it back.
Just Play. We'll Keep Score.
Beach tennis scoring with ITF rules built in. serve rotation, the tie-break, ends changes, and a live shareable scoreboard.
First matches free. Any device. No install.