Beach tennis now in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Beach tennis is finally here in the Philippines. Already enjoying a strong and loyal following in different parts of the globe, beach tennis combines the dynamic and fast-paced elements of tennis, beach volleyball and badminton, and is governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The current general regulations are established by the International Federation Beach Tennis (IFBT) to provide rules for the competitions.

The sport combines the best of beach volleyball and tennis, which makes it easy for newbies to relate to. It is similar to beach volleyball, although it uses a beach tennis ball and a beach tennis racket. Balls that fall on the sand result in a point. The scoring system is also similar to tennis, with scores of 15-30-40 and no-ad at deuce.

Beach tennis uses a beach tennis racket: Without strings but with a flat surface having an indefinite number of holes. The beach tennis balls are much the same as regular tennis balls. These original IFBT balls are depressurized. All things considered, beach tennis is off to a flying start in the country. And with the summer months fast approaching, it won’t take long for Filipinos to catch on to beach tennis.

“Beach tennis is very appealing to everyone. They can play it for recreation or for competition,” says Lotlot de Leon, president of CDL Entertainment Productions. The company is responsible for bringing the beach-tennis excitement to Philippine shores.

One such shore that witnessed the beach-tennis fun was Laiya Coco Grove, where the first invitational beach tennis clinic was held. The special event was attended by artists such as Yayo Aguila and Jay Aquitania.

Prof. Kiko Diaz, program director of the Physical Education Department of the College of Human Kinetics, UP Diliman, weighs in on the merits of beach tennis, “Once you get the hang of this easy-to-learn sport, the fun shifts to a more competitive nature — which is a good thing. I personally encourage everyone to play this game.”

(For details, call Lotlot de Leon at cdlbeachtennis@gmail.com or call 631-3917.)