Yes, Soccer Tennis Exists! Here's Everything You Need to Know
Yes, Soccer Tennis Exists. Here's Everything You Need To Know
If you're looking for a break from regular soccer that keeps your training on track, consider soccer tennis. This fun game - also known as football tennis or futnet - was developed by the Czech football club Slavia Prague in 1922. It's gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and since 1994, the Football Tennis World Championships have been held bi-annually.
Even for players whose goal is the FIFA World Cup instead of FIFTA, soccer tennis is a great time that doubles as a valuable skill development tool. Our Soccer Tennis Beginner's Guide has all the information you need to Play Anywhere, Play Now.
What is Soccer Tennis?
As the name suggests, soccer tennis is a combination of soccer and tennis. The basic setup is the same as tennis: one player or team serves the ball, then it's volleyed back and forth. However, you're doing this with a soccer ball. When there are multiple players to a side, you also add volleyball elements. The game helps players work on ball control, receiving and comfort within a competitive environment.
Soccer Tennis Rules
There are three different disciplines for international soccer tennis: singles, doubles and triples. Here are the basics for each along with the general rules of the game:
Basic Futnet Rules
- The official net height is 1.1m (43 inches).
- If a player touches the net, the opponent receives a point. If the ball hits the net and returns to your side of the court, you can't hit it back.
- The ball should bounce at least half a meter (19.68 inches).
- A set is played to 11 points with a two-point differential. The maximum score is 15-14, and matches are best-of-three sets.
- You can touch the ball with any body part except your hands and arms.
Singles Soccer Tennis
- One player per side.
- The court is 9 meters (29.25 feet) wide by 12.8 meters (41.6 feet) long.
- Two touches and one bounce are allowed per volley.
Doubles Soccer Tennis
- Two players per side.
- The court is the same size as singles.
- Teams are allowed three touches per volley, but there can't be consecutive touches by the same player.
- One bounce per volley for men and two bounces for women and junior players.
Triples Soccer Tennis
- Three players per side.
- The court is 9 meters (29.25 feet) wide by 18 meters (58.50 feet) long.
- Touch and bounce rules are the same as doubles.
When using soccer tennis as a training tool or rec game, the rules have some flexibility. For example, you can add more players per side, then adjust the field size accordingly. You can also change the number of touches and bounces allowed, just make sure it stays fun.
Soccer Tennis Equipment
The only things you need to start playing are a soccer tennis net, chalk or cones to mark the boundary lines and a pair of soccer tennis shoes. If you're playing on a tennis court or indoor field, you're better off with indoor soccer shoes rather than tennis shoes. Indoor soccer shoes have soles that are harder and more flexible so you can turn and slide more easily. Regular soccer cleats are fine for outdoor grass fields. Whether you're looking for a training alternative or training for an official tournament, Bownet Sports™ can fuel your soccer tennis games.