FAQs + ASK A PRO
Q: How does the ball bounce?
A: It doesn’t. If the ball hits the sand, the point is over. The Official Ball of BTUSA is the Pro Penn Star. This is a de-pressurized ball (6 lbs of pressure instead of 12).
Q: What are the court dimensions?
A: The court is 30 feet wide by 60 feet long. There is a center line that splits the court lengthwise.
Q: How high is the net?
A: The net is 5'10" tall.
Q: What is the format for your tournaments? How many games do I get to play if I register?
A: Each event is different depending upon number of entries, number of courts available and time available. Typically, the preliminary rounds are round-robin, or pool-play. This means that if you are in a pool of four, you would play all the other teams in your pool (3 matches). Top 1 or 2 teams from each pool advance to the elimination rounds (single-elimination). You can count on playing at least 3 matches.
Q: How much money can I win?
A: Again, this depends on the amount of entrants. With an 8 team minimum per division, teams will compete for a $1000 first prize, and a $500 second prize. Winning teams from each event will also secure a berth in the National Championships, to be held in Long Beach, NY on September 1-2. During the SoCal Points Series, teams in the Men's and Women's Pro divisions of each tournament will win series points. At the conclusion of our SoCal Series Slam on July 21-22, the "Series Points Champion" will win an extra cash prize of $2,500.
Q: Can you play "singles" beach tennis?
A: Currently, beach tennis is played as a "doubles" game only.
Q: What are the rules? How is the game scored?
A: Scoring is 15 - 30 - 40 and no-ad at deuce. At deuce, receiving team chooses which player will receive the serve. Only one hit per side, as in tennis and badminton. Unlike volleyball, there is no setting up your partner for the kill. One serve only … off the net counts, as in beach volleyball... no faults or lets. Serves must go cross-court. Touching the net in any way or breaking the plane of the net – that is, reaching over the net with your racquet, even on the follow through – will result in a loss of the point. Each match consists of one eight-game pro set. The match must be won by two games (e.g. 9-7). If the match score is tied at 8-8, a 12-point tennis tiebreaker (first team to 7 points wins) will be played to determine the winner. Remember, the Number One rule in beach tennis is to have fun!
Q: Can anyone play?
A: Yes, that’s the best part. Beach tennis has a very short learning curve. If you can hold a racquet, you can learn to play beach tennis very quickly. If you are already a tennis player, chances are you can play beach tennis competitively on the first day.
Q: Will playing beach tennis hurt my regular tennis game?
A: Absolutely, not. In fact, two-time men's national beach tennis champ, Phil Whitesell, says that beach tennis has improved his traditional tennis game in a number of ways. Beach tennis can be a great conditioning tool for tennis players looking for low impact workout options.
Q: Where can I get a beach tennis net system?
A: We’ve developed a proprietary net system that will get you up and running in no time. Net systems and instructional DVDs are available in our online store!
Q: How can I become a certified beach tennis instructor and bring this sport to my tennis or beach club?
A: We have programs in place to certify beach tennis instructors, as well as licensing programs that will allow you to hold your own Beach Tennis USA events, right in your own city or town. Click here to contact a Beach Tennis USA representative.
ASK A PRO
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