Padel is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in popularity, and this has also led to its variations growing in the same way. Now that summer is starting and people are heading to the beaches, beach tennis has become very fashionable. But what is this sport about? Is it easy to play? What do you need to practice it? What are the best beach tennis rackets? We'll tell you all about it below.

What is beach tennis and how popular is it?

Beach tennis is a summer sport usually played on beaches or sandy areas. It could be said that it is a hybrid of several sports, as it combines elements from different disciplines. Beach tennis is played in the same way as tennis, meaning the ball is hit with a racket or paddle to send it to the opposite side. However, some rules make it very different from other racket sports such as padel, squash, or even tennis. Players use a beach racket or beach tennis racket to hit the ball. The playing court is marked with tapes and a net divides the court for the two teams. This sport is not new; in fact, it is not uncommon to see people playing it on beaches. However, its arrival in Spain has been slow but well-received, and the number of beach tennis players increases every year. Currently, it is estimated that this sport is played in at least 20 provinces of Spain. However, it has not yet reached the popularity that beach tennis enjoys in countries like France, Italy, and the United States.

The basic rules of "beach padel or tennis"

Learning to play beach tennis is not complicated at all; in fact, it is a sport played by people of all ages and physical abilities. Generally, a beach tennis court measures 16x8 meters and is divided in half by a net suspended in the air, at a height of 1.70 meters above the ground. This makes it a court very similar to the one used in badminton. This sport is played with a beach racket or beach tennis racket, which are currently made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, like padel rackets. However, beach rackets have a unique shape and characteristics. As for the balls used in this sport, they are the same as those used in tennis, but they must be low-pressure balls. Regarding gameplay, the main objective is to pass the ball to the other side over the net, but this must be done before the ball touches the sand. For this reason, a beach tennis match usually consists of volleys, lobs, and occasionally smashes, but always following the rule that the ball cannot touch the surface. Additionally, the point must always be played within the court boundaries.

The best beach tennis rackets of 2022

As mentioned, to play this sport, players need a beach tennis racket or a beach paddle. Fortunately, market options are starting to increase, and more brands are manufacturing special products for this discipline. These are some of the most popular beach tennis rackets for the 2022 season:

Adidas Beach Tennis RX 3.1

The famous sports brand with the three stripes has its own collection of beach tennis rackets. The RX 3.1 is one of its most famous rackets, as it is perfect for any player, from beginner to intermediate level. It features a fiberglass construction, along with an Eva rubber core, which together guarantee a comfortable hit and plenty of control.

Drop Shot Power 2.0 BT

This beach racket is recommended more for advanced players looking for power. For this reason, it is made of carbon, a material that makes it a bit heavier and also a bit harder, to apply more power to each shot. However, it has a soft rubber inside so that the game can maintain a good degree of comfort.

Drop Shot Spektro 7.0

The Spektro 7.0 is another beach racket for advanced players. Also composed of carbon in the frame and faces. However, it has a high-density rubber core so that the contact can be more solid and with more power. This beach tennis racket is in the same range as the Power 2.0 and is characterized by a versatile game.

Drop Shot Hero BT

The new Drop Shot Hero BT is one of the most popular beach rackets because it is ideal for starting to play, with one of the most striking and colorful designs on the market. Despite being a beginner racket, it boasts a carbon construction, combined with soft rubber for comfort. This racket stands out for its great control and maneuverability.