Types of Beach Games & Sports

A day at the beach can provide a memorable experience filled with fun, games and sports. The combination of the hot sun and ocean breeze draws tourists and locals alike, all looking to take advantage of beautiful outdoor setting. Those who don't surf but prefer to do more than simply lay in the sun might pick up a Frisbee or start a volleyball match. There are a number of games and sports that can turn a day at the beach into a fun-filled experience.

  1. Beach Volleyball

    • Beach volleyball is not only a professional competitive sport but a favorite pastime of many every day beach-goers. The rules can be strict or lenient, depending on what suits the occasion. For the nonprofessional players just looking to have a good time in the sand, the rules are simple. Gather at least four players, two for each team. The goal of the game is to bump, set or spike the volleyball to the other side of the net in a manner so as to make it difficult for the opposing team to return the ball. If the opposing team fails to bump, set or spike the ball back to your side of the net, you get one point. Both teams must also avoid hitting the ball out of bounds, which is anywhere outside the "court." In beach volleyball, a court is generally drawn as a square in the sand. Use the net for a guide and draw in the three remaining lines using a stick or even your foot.

    Bocce Ball

    • Though it can be played just about anywhere there is open space, bocce ball is commonly played on the beach. There can be a total of two, four or eight players per match. Bocce ball is played with eight large, heavy balls and one smaller, lighter ball called the pallino. To begin a match, divide the eight large balls evenly among the players. Most bocce sets will come with four different colored balls, making it ideal to split among four players. Whatever the color and however many players, it is crucial that each player knows which balls are theirs. Next, have one player throw the pallino. Once the pallino has landed on the sand, that same player is to throw their balls. The idea of the game is to get your one of your balls closer to the pallino than any other player.

    Frisbee

    • Beaches have been filled with Frisbee players since the 1940s. While a range of competitive Frisbee games have developed since then, simple recreational beach Frisbee is an inexpensive, relaxing and commonly-played beach game. While it may be difficult to get the hang of at first, learn to throw the disc correctly, and provide yourself and a friend entertainment for hours. Frisbee can be played with more than just two players, too. All players should try to separate themselves so an even amount of space is between each player. Take turns throwing the disc to the person next to you, across from you, or diagonal.

    Beach Paddleball

    • Beach paddleball is sort of like tennis, but played on the sand and with far fewer restrictions. The game is played with two players, one wooden paddle per player and one rubber ball per couple. Players are to stand about 10 feet apart from each other. The first player essentially "serves" the rubber ball to the other player by throwing it int the air and whacking it with their paddle towards the other player. The second player must then return the ball to the first player by hitting the ball with their paddle without letting the ball touch the ground. The goal is to keep the rally going for as long as possible without allowing the ball to hit the ground.