Beach Tennis Rules Reference.

Court Dimensions

The court is 16 meters long (8 meters on each side of the net) and 8 meters wide. The same dimensions are used for both singles and doubles. There are no separate singles sidelines; all play uses the full 8-meter width.

Net Height

The net is 1.70 meters high at the posts and 1.65 meters high at the center of the court. The net spans the full 8-meter width. Net posts are placed outside the sidelines. The net height is considerably higher than a standard tennis net (0.914 meters at center).

Ball Type and Specification

Beach tennis uses a depressurized (low-compression) tennis ball. The ball must be ITF-approved and meet the depressurized ball specification (Stage 2 or Stage 3 orange/green dot compression ball). Standard pressurized tennis balls are not permitted in official beach tennis play as they would travel too fast on the high net and non-bounce court.

Scoring System

Games are scored 0 (Love), 15, 30, 40, and game. When the score reaches 40-40, a single golden point is played to decide the game immediately (no-advantage scoring). The receiver chooses which service box the server must target on the golden point. Sets are won by the first side to reach 6 games with a 2-game lead, or 7-6 via tie-break.

Tie-Break Game

A tie-break is played when the set score reaches 6-6. The tie-break is scored 1, 2, 3... and the first side to reach 7 points with a 2-point lead wins the tie-break and the set (7-6). Service in the tie-break rotates: the player whose normal turn it is serves the first point from the right side, then service rotates every 2 points among all players in the standard order. Players change ends after every 6 points in the tie-break. The side that received first in the tie-break serves first in the next set.

Match Format

A standard beach tennis match is best of 3 sets. The first side to win 2 sets wins the match. Some tournament formats substitute a match tie-break (super tie-break, first to 10 points win by 2) for the third set. Shorter formats (single set, single set plus match tie-break) may be used for consolation or recreational rounds at tournament organizers' discretion.

No Bounce Rule

The ball must not bounce on the sand at any time during a rally. If the ball touches the sand on a player's side of the court, that player loses the point. This rule applies from the moment play begins after the serve. All shots must be struck before the ball contacts the sand.

Changing Ends

Players change ends at the end of the first game, the third game, and every subsequent odd-numbered game within a set. At the end of a set, players change ends if the total number of games in the set is odd (e.g., 6-3 = 9 games total); if even, they do not change ends at the set break. In a tie-break, players change ends after every 6 points.

Hindrance

If a player is involuntarily hindered by an opponent's action during a rally, the player may call a let and the point is replayed. If the hindrance is deemed deliberate, the hindered player wins the point. The hindrance must be called immediately and before the ball becomes dead. External objects entering the court (balls from adjacent courts) also constitute a hindrance if they affect play.

Service Rules

The server stands behind the baseline between the center mark and the sideline and strikes the ball from a toss before it touches the ground. The ball must land in the diagonal service box. The server receives two attempts per point. A foot fault (touching the baseline before striking the ball) counts as a service fault. Two consecutive faults (double fault) lose the point.

Order of Service -- Singles

In singles, the choice of serving first or receiving first is determined by a coin toss or spin of a racket before the match. The winner of the toss may choose to serve or receive, or choose ends. Service alternates between players every game. At the start of each new set, the player who received first in the previous set serves first in the new set.

Order of Service -- Doubles

In doubles, each player serves a full game before the serve passes to the next player in the four-player rotation. At the start of each set, each team declares which partner will serve first. The serving rotation proceeds: Team A Player 1, Team B Player 1, Team A Player 2, Team B Player 2. The receiving order (which player receives in the deuce or advantage court) is also set at the start of each set and maintained for the entire set. Both orders may be changed at the start of a new set.

Let on Service

A let is called on a serve when the ball touches the net, strap, or band and then lands in the correct service box; when the ball touches the net and then touches the receiver or their equipment before touching the ground; or when the receiver is not ready and makes no attempt to return the ball. The serve is retaken without penalty and without using up the serve attempt. There is no limit on consecutive lets.