Beach Tennis Doubles
A school version of beach tennis: doubles played with paddles and a low-pressure ball over a net about 5.5 ft high, without letting the ball bounce. It builds volleying, net play and coordination with a partner in a popular beach sport.
How to play
- Set up 4 courts of 16 x 8 m (52 x 26 ft) with cones and a net about 1.70 m (5.5 ft) high (a rope with ribbons works); pair students up and assign 3 pairs per court.
- Technical warm-up for 4 minutes: partner volley rally across the net without letting the ball drop.
- Explain the rules in 2 minutes: underhand serve from behind the baseline, one hit per side with no bounce, score like tennis or play to 11.
- Play games to 7 points; the winning pair stays on and the third pair replaces the losers (about 15 minutes).
- Every 5 minutes, the teacher sets a technical focus: win points with a smash, a drop shot or a lob.
- Close with 2 minutes on how the winning pairs split up the court.
Rules
- The ball may not bounce: if it hits the sand or court, the point goes to the other side.
- Each pair gets only one hit before sending it over.
- No touching the net or crossing into the other court.
- Call "mine" before hitting to avoid clashing paddles with your partner.
Variations
Easier
Allow one bounce and lower the net to 1.50 m (5 ft).
Standard
Net at 1.70 m, no bounces, games to 7.
Harder
Overhand serve required, and points won with a smash count double.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play seated with a lower net and allow one bounce on that side.
- Visual impairment: use a larger, brightly colored ball and a smaller court.
- Lower skill level: play cooperatively, counting how many hits in a row both pairs can keep going.
Learning goals
- Hit forehand and backhand volleys with directional control.
- Coordinate court coverage and net play with a partner.
- Learn a beach sport students can play in their free time.
Equipment for a class of 25
- paddleball paddles: 24
- tennis balls: 12
- nets: 4
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Old or pressureless tennis balls work best because they're slower. Correct straight-arm swings: contact happens in front of the body with a firm paddle face.
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