1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I've just started beach tennis: I still hit the ball more by luck than by intention, and the sand wears me out before the match is over.
I already do
- RallyI return the slow ball that comes my way, over the net.
- NetI volley the ball that comes straight to my racket, without having to move.
- ServeUnderarm serve, or a soft overhead one, that lands in the court.
Not yet mastered
- RallyTwo or three shots in a row without the ball dropping in the sand.
- NetThe smash: I mistime the high ball.
- ServeWinning a point with the serve: it only starts the rally.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I can hold a short exchange at the net with my partner beside me, and the overhead serve has become my default, even without power.
I already do
- RallyFour or five volleys in a row at practice pace.
- NetSmash on a slow, high ball that drops on my side.
- ServeOverhead serve that goes in more often than it misses.
Not yet mastered
- RallyA fast or wide ball: I return it up and get smashed.
- NetMoving in the sand for the ball that doesn't come to my hand.
- ServePlacing the serve: I only send it down the middle.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
Beach tennis has started to make sense: I stay at the net with my partner, defend the weak smash and already look for the gap between the two on the other side.
I already do
- NetVolley with direction, down the middle or to the sideline.
- RallyI return the serve low enough not to be attacked.
- ServeServe with direction: at the body, crosscourt or down the T.
Not yet mastered
- NetSmash on a deep ball: I lob it back instead of attacking.
- RallyHolding the exchange when I have to run in the sand.
- ServeA second serve without losing depth.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play every week and build the point with my partner: serve to open up, volley at the feet and smash when the ball goes up.
I already do
- NetSmash with direction on a high ball; low volley at the feet of whoever is at the net.
- RallyDeep, low return, crosscourt or down the middle, depending on where the opponents stand.
- ServeServe with changes of direction and speed.
- DecisionI decide between middle, line or lob by looking at where the opposing pair is.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionHolding my precision against a more solid pair: I know what to do, I don't always do it.
- NetDefending the hard smash: the ball goes back up and the point is over.
In tournaments I play Categoria B in my city's tournaments and win matches there.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a repertoire: a smash with spin so the ball comes back low, a short slice volley and a lob that pulls the opponent off the net on purpose.
I already do
- NetTopspin or slice smash that closes the angle; finishing volley on a medium ball.
- RallyI defend a medium smash with the racket out front and return it low.
- ServeServe with spin that bounces low and opens the court.
- DecisionI coordinate the lob with my partner so we move up together and close the point.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionAdapting to a pair that plays differently, with lots of lobs or lots of balls at the feet.
- NetClosing the point with the smash against a good defense without forcing and missing.
In tournaments I'm competitive in Categoria A: I win often and reach the final rounds now and then.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
The net is ours: I rarely miss, my smash finishes and the pair moves through the sand as one unit.
I already do
- NetA smash that decides from any height; volley with direction on a fast ball.
- DecisionI read the opposing pair's return and poach at the right time.
- ServeServe as a weapon: direction, speed and spin on every point.
- RallyI defend a hard smash and turn the point into a counterattack.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSwitching the plan mid-match when the other pair switches theirs.
In tournaments I play A top regularly and can win it.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I compete on the professional circuit and hold high intensity against any style; defense has become the start of my attack.
I already do
- DecisionI find the opposing pair's weak side in the first games and change the plan.
- NetSmash and finishing volley on a fast ball; I cover my partner without being asked.
- RallyDefense of a heavy smash with a low counterattack.
- ServeServe and return that start the point already ahead.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my match on top-100 pairs without losing my cool.
In tournaments I play Pro and sit between 300th and 100th in the ranking.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I play among the best pairs in the country: every shot does its job, and the opposing pair needs a plan to beat us.
I already do
- NetPrecise smash and volley for an entire match.
- DecisionI anticipate the opponent's intention and switch strategy with my partner on the spot.
- ServeHigh-level serve and return, even under pressure.
- RallyFitness and intensity in the sand from the first point to the last.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training volume and fitness of someone in the top 50.
In tournaments I play Pro and sit between 100th and 50th in the ranking.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
Beach tennis is my profession: I train full-time, with a team and a national and international tournament calendar.
I already do
- RallyTechnique on sand, doubles tactics, fitness and mind at the highest level.
- DecisionI make good decisions against the pairs at the top of the ranking.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionFrom here up, only the ranking separates one pair from another.
In tournaments Pro: top 50 of the ranking.
