Image courtesy of Beach Tennis UK
Beach tennis merges the worlds of tennis, badminton and beach volleyball into one sport. The sport is predominantly played as doubles on a court the same size as beach volleyball, with players using beach tennis racquets and a low compression ’orange’ tennis ball, which is not allowed to bounce during play.
If you like going to the beach as well as playing a bit of competitive sport - then Beach Tennis is for you, it combines the fun of sporting activity with sun, sea and sand. The sport can be played by all ages and all playing abilities - a perfect way to spend time with your friends and family.All you need are Beach Volleyball courts, many of which are often already set up on beaches around the world, beach tennis racquets and low compression tennis balls (mini orange balls).
Beach tennis is played in a number of countries in Europe and throughout the world, including Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Portugal, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, USA, Latin America, Thailand and Australia. However, the current heartland is undoubtedly in Italy with 1600 courts dedicated to Beach tennis.
2008 saw the launch of the ITF Beach Tennis Tour, a new circuit of international events of the sport's fastest-growing offshoot. The calendar consists of National Association sanctioned and/or organised tournaments worldwide, which offer international ranking points to participants. Players are ranked individually based on their results in doubles events only.
Announcing the establishment of the circuit, ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "Beach tennis is a unique and fun alternative of playing the sport, which we hope will widen the appeal of the sport to players of all ages.”
Beach tennis is just getting started in the UK, with a couple of sites being identified and some trial tournaments taking place. The first Beach Tennis event was organised by Beach Tennis UK at a beach sports venue in Brighton during April. There was a great response with over 50 people taking part, many spectators and an exhibition match which included two of Italy’s top world ranked players.
The LTA and Beach Tennis UK are working together to establish more beach tennis venues and get more events running across the country. If you are interested in getting involved please contact the LTA or go to www.beachtennisuk.co.uk.
9-11 August 2013, Brighton seafront, UK
The LTA is responsible for the selection of beach tennis players for GB teams. The LTA has created policies that ensure a fair and equitable selection process is followed.
For a detailed explanation of the selection criteria (and funding) policies click on the links below.