Beach games for adults can be as simple as a paddle rally, keepy-uppy or a flying-disc catch. Start with the paddles, pick a target and give the beach towel a break.
Try these casual versions with your mates and agree on the rules before you start. Bring a paddle set you already own, or pack the sunset set below.
Pack the paddles first
The Acquaboss Beach Sunset Paddle Set comes with two premium beach paddles, two beach balls and a carry bag. That's the gear for the first three games sorted.
Bringing the whole crew? Have a look at the Beach Games Kit for your group beach day. For the last two games below, bring a soft ball and a flying disc as well.
Choose a clear space away from other beachgoers. Agree on where you'll stand and whether you're keeping score. A gentle rally is a perfectly good opening round. The dramatic victory speech can wait.
1. Can you beat your shared rally?
Try a team challenge before playing against each other. Count each successful return and see how long you can keep the ball moving between you.
Start with a target of ten returns. If the ball drops, reset the count and try again. Once you reach your target, choose a new one together.
Keep the goal shared: both players win when the rally gets longer. That makes this a useful choice when one person wants a game and the other has only just left their towel.
2. Who wants the next turn?
For a group, try rotating pairs. Two people play while everyone else waits outside the playing space. Choose a short round, such as three rally attempts, then hand both paddles to the next pair.
Each pair counts its longest rally. Play one round without a leaderboard, or compare scores if everyone wants a contest. Keep the same number of attempts for each pair.
This version lets a group share one set. Only two people play at once, so choose a different format if everyone wants to be active together.
3. Can you beat your own paddle tally?
Try tapping the ball upwards from the paddle face and counting your hits. Stop when it drops, then have another go at beating your own score.
Take turns, or let each person use a paddle and ball from the set. Keep the taps low and controlled within your own space. Decide beforehand whether you're counting your best attempt or adding up a few rounds.
This one works as a solo challenge while your game partner is on snack duty. No need to wait for an opponent who has become deeply committed to a sandwich.
4. How long can you keep a soft ball in the air?
Try keepy-uppy with a soft ball. Stand in a loose circle and use your feet, knees or head to keep it off the sand. Count the touches together, then start again when the ball drops.
For a relaxed round, allow a catch between touches while everyone gets the hang of it. Make the circle smaller if the passes keep falling short. The aim is a shared streak, with plenty of room for a spectacular miss.
5. Can everyone catch the flying disc?
Spread out in a clear patch of sand and pass a flying disc around the group. Start with short throws. Count your catches and try to beat the last round's total.
Once everyone's comfortable, take a small step back after each full round. If the disc drops, come closer and start again. Take turns choosing who gets the next pass, so the quiet mate gets a go too.
Fancy a court game instead?
If you're choosing between paddle games, start with our paddleball and pickleball comparison.
For a court-game plan, see the pickleball gear and courts guide. The Premium Pickleball Set has two fibreglass bats, two pickleballs and a carry bag. It is a different set from the sunset beach paddles used here.
For an easy beach afternoon, start with the sunset paddles and a shared rally. You can work up to the victory speech after snacks.
