Tennis in the sand might sound like a novelty—but beach tennis is no gimmick. It’s a fast-growing, international sport with serious athletic appeal and laid-back beach energy. Played in more than 50 countries and steadily gaining ground in the U.S., beach tennis blends elements of tennis, volleyball, and paddle sports into a high-energy game that’s as fun to watch as it is to play.
Whether you’re chasing competition or just a new way to move outdoors, beach tennis offers something refreshingly different.
A Global Surge in Popularity
Beach tennis started on the Italian coast in the 1970s, and it’s been booming ever since—especially across Europe and South America. Countries like Brazil, Italy, and Spain have become powerhouses, and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) now oversees a global tour of professional tournaments.
In the U.S., the sport is growing fast in beach-friendly states like Florida and California. Clubs, tournaments, and casual meetups are popping up all along the coast, and national-level players are starting to make waves on the world stage.
With the rise of beach culture, wellness-focused recreation, and interest in racquet sports like pickleball, beach tennis is finding its moment.
How You Play
Beach tennis is all about keeping the ball in the air and your feet moving in the sand. It’s played 2-on-2 on a beach volleyball-sized court, with a net just high enough to make things interesting. Instead of a regular tennis ball, you use a slightly deflated one that floats a little slower—perfect for quick reactions and flashy volleys. There’s no bouncing here—the ball can’t touch the sand, so every rally is fast and nonstop. You serve, you smash, you dive, you laugh. Games are short and sweet, usually to 7 or 9 points, so there’s always a sense of urgency (and a rematch waiting). The result? Long rallies, lightning-fast reflexes, and explosive plays—all in a compact, spectator-friendly format.
It’s easy to learn, but hard to stop playing once you get into the rhythm.
Benefits of Beach Tennis
Besides being incredibly fun, beach tennis offers a full-body workout and a host of wellness perks:
- Cardiovascular endurance – constant movement on sand keeps your heart rate high.
- Core and leg strength – sand creates natural resistance, especially when jumping or lunging.
- Low-impact – the soft surface cushions joints, reducing injury risk.
- Hand-eye coordination – fast aerial rallies sharpen reflexes and coordination.
- Social and inclusive – it’s easy to pick up, welcoming to all skill levels, and often played in a relaxed, friendly setting.
It’s also a great cross-training option for athletes from other sports, combining speed, agility, and footwork in a totally new environment.
What Makes Beach Tennis So Fun?
There’s something addictive about the pace of beach tennis. The ball never bounces, so rallies are fast and unpredictable. You’re constantly reacting, adapting, and flying around the court—sometimes literally. The sand adds challenge and excitement, turning every movement into a small battle against gravity.
But beyond the physical thrill, it’s the vibe that really hooks people: music playing, friends laughing between points, players diving in the sand with smiles on their faces. It’s competitive without being cutthroat. Athletic without being rigid. And the ocean’s usually just a few steps away.
Final Serve: Why You Should Try Beach Tennis
Whether you’re a lifelong tennis player or brand new to racquet sports, beach tennis is one of the most exciting ways to stay active, meet people, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s the kind of sport you try once and can’t stop thinking about. Fun, accessible, and growing fast—it’s time to hit the sand and pick up a paddle.
Sandy Pickleball: The Beachside Spin on America’s Fastest-Growing Sport
Pickleball is everywhere—parks, gyms, driveways, even old tennis courts. But now, it’s rolling onto the beach. Sandy pickleball is exactly what it sounds like: a sun-soaked, barefoot twist on the sport that’s taken over suburbs and cities alike. And if you thought pickleball was fun before, just wait until you’re playing it to the sound of crashing waves.
This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s an emerging subculture that combines fitness, social energy, and pure beach vibes.
Pickleball, But With a Breeze and Bare Feet
At its core, sandy pickleball keeps the same basic rules you know and love: paddles, a perforated ball, a short net, and quick doubles action. But the sand changes everything. Movement is slower, footwork is tougher, and rallying becomes more about finesse than brute force.
It’s still competitive—but it’s also way more playful. Picture lunging for a drop shot with sand between your toes and your sunglasses sliding down your nose. You’re sweating, laughing, and getting in a solid workout—without even realizing it.
Sandy Pickleball vs. Regular Pickleball
Now, if you’re already hooked on the idea of sandy pickleball, you might be wondering: how does it stack up against the regular version of the game? Well, it’s not just pickleball on sand—it’s a whole new vibe. Let’s break it down and see how this sun-soaked twist on the game compares to its court-bound cousin.
- Court Surface: In sandy pickleball, the ball barely bounces—so instead of relying on those hard-hitting groundstrokes, you’ll be keeping the ball in the air with some serious finesse. The sand slows you down, but that’s part of the charm. On a regular court, though, the ball bounces like it’s on a mission, letting you zip around with quick, powerful shots.
- Movement: Every step on the sand is like a mini workout. You’re diving, lunging, and dragging your feet through soft sand—it’s slower but way more fun (and exhausting). On a hard court, you’re gliding around like a pro skater, quick on your feet, pushing off to make those lightning-fast moves.
- Power vs. Finesse: Power shots don’t work too well in the sand—it’s all about the soft touch and those perfect lobs. You’ll be getting creative with spins and volleys, making every rally a bit of a dance. Regular pickleball, on the other hand, is all about those big, powerful shots—smashing it at the net and hitting fast, clean winners.
- Vibe: Sandy pickleball is like a beach party with a paddle in hand. The vibes are chill, there’s music in the air, and it’s more about having a good time than stressing over every point. Regular pickleball can be more intense, with players focused on technique and winning, especially when you’re playing on a proper court.
In the end, while both games bring the heat, sandy pickleball is the beachy, laid-back cousin of regular pickleball—still competitive, but way more fun and carefree.
Why Sandy Pickleball Is Catching On
What started as a backyard game for retirees is now one of the most talked-about sports in America, and bringing it to the beach just makes sense. Here’s why people are falling in love with the sandy version:
- It’s beginner-friendly – The slower pace and forgiving surface make it accessible for all ages and skill levels.
- It’s social – Games are short and easy to rotate, so it’s perfect for group gatherings or beach tournaments.
- It’s a workout in disguise – Moving on sand challenges your legs and core, all while reducing impact on joints.
- It’s pure summer energy – Music, ocean air, and good vibes make every match feel like a party.
From Florida’s Gulf Coast to California’s surf towns, sandy pickleball pop-ups and local leagues are gaining traction, bringing together people who want sport and sandcastles in the same day.
How It Works (And Feels)
You don’t need a fancy setup—just a flat area of beach, a portable net, and your usual paddles and ball. The ball bounces way less on sand (sometimes not at all), so most points stay in the air. That means longer volleys, softer shots, and plenty of unexpected saves.
The sand slows everything down, but in the best way. It forces creativity, control, and clever play. And yes, diving is encouraged—because what’s better than a highlight-reel dive when the landing is soft and sandy?
The Fun Factor
If traditional pickleball feels like ping-pong on steroids, sandy pickleball feels like a beach party with a side of cardio. It’s less about power and more about touch, timing, and having fun. You’re working out, but you’re also just… playing. And at the end of a match, you’re not sprinting off to the locker room—you’re jumping into the ocean.
It’s sport meets lifestyle, and it’s just getting started.
Final Serve
Sandy pickleball might not be in the rulebooks just yet, but it’s already a hit with weekend warriors, fitness fanatics, and beach bums alike. It’s everything great about pickleball—made even better by sun, sand, and salt air.
So next time you hit the beach, bring your paddle. There might be a game waiting.
