Beach Tennis Tactics Board

Net Domination on Sand

Like padel, beach tennis rewards the pair that controls the net. With no walls to exploit, the net position is even more decisive — every exchange either keeps the net team attacking or forces them back with a successful lob. Coaching the net approach on sand requires diagramming different footwork patterns because lunges and splits behave differently on an unstable surface. Show players the shorter, choppier steps needed to maintain balance while pressing forward.

Overhead and Smash Placement

The overhead smash is the most decisive shot in beach tennis. Diagram the three primary smash targets:

• Body smash — aimed at the body of the opponent closer to the ball, forcing a cramped defensive block.
• Wide angle smash — aimed sharply cross-court beyond the sideline; effective when both opponents are stacked centrally.
• Down the middle — aimed between the two opponents to exploit the communication gap; most effective when the opponents' positioning is wide.

For each, also draw the expected defensive response and how the smashing pair should follow up.

Lob Defense and Reset

When pinned at the baseline by an aggressive net pair, the lob is the primary escape route. Teach players the two lob options:

• Central deep lob — safest option; lands between the opponents and forces them both to move back.
• Cross-court lob — more aggressive; if the net player crosses to intercept, it opens the down-the-line lane for a passing shot.

Diagram both lob types and the simultaneous forward movement the lobbing pair should make while the opponents retreat.

Serve Patterns

In beach tennis, serve selection focuses on placement over spin because the no-bounce rule means every rally starts at the net. Diagram the three serve zones — wide, body, and T — and show how the serving pair should position immediately after serving to cover the likely return angles. Players who anticipate the return direction will reach the net first and take the initiative for the rally.