Beach Tennis: No-Bounce Paddle Doubles
A school version of beach tennis: pairs play with paddles over a net set at about 5 ft 7 in, and the ball can never bounce. Students work on volleys, the serve and doubles teamwork, and discover a beach sport that is easy to play on vacation.
How to play
- Set up 4 courts about 52 x 26 ft with cones and a net or rope at 5 ft 7 in; two pairs play on each court and a third pair waits to rotate in.
- 4-minute warm-up: cooperative rally in pairs across the net, counting how many volleys in a row they can hit without a bounce.
- Teach the serve (3 min): overhand or underhand from behind the baseline, one attempt only, plus forehand and backhand volleys with the paddle in front of the body.
- 5-minute games: you lose the point if the ball bounces on your side, goes out or does not clear the net; each pair gets only one hit per side.
- Use simplified scoring: games to 7, win by 2; after each game, the waiting pair replaces the losing pair.
- Play 3 rotations in total and close with 2 minutes discussing which court positioning worked best.
Rules
- The ball never bounces: every shot is a volley.
- Call 'mine' before hitting so you do not collide with your partner.
- Nobody jumps into or touches the net; use the wrist strap on the paddle if it has one.
Variations
Easier
Allow one bounce on your own side and lower the net to 5 ft.
Standard
No bounce, net at 5 ft 7 in, one hit per pair.
Harder
Points count only if won from the back half of the court, forcing deeper shots.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play on a smaller court with one bounce allowed and a closer serving line.
- Visual impairment: use a large, brightly colored ball and play cooperatively with a partner who calls the direction.
- Beginner racket skills: start with a foam ball, which is slower, until volleys are under control.
Learning goals
- Hit forehand and backhand volleys with directional control.
- Coordinate with a partner in doubles to cover the court.
- Learn a beach sport they can enjoy in their free time.
Equipment for a class of 25
- paddleball paddles: 24
- tennis balls: 12
- net: 4
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Slightly flat tennis balls work better because they are slower. If you do not have high nets, a rope between two posts or poles tied to fences works well; mark the height with tape.
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