Interview with Jeroen
We sat down with Jeroen to chat about beach tennis — how he found the sport, what keeps him coming back, and why he can't imagine a weekend without it. If you've seen him out on the sand, you already know he brings the energy!
1. How did you first get into beach tennis, and when was it?
Learned about it on Meetup and joined somewhere around late 2022.
2. How often do you usually play beach tennis?
About once a week, sometimes more if I can squeeze it in. It's become one of those things I really look forward to every week.
3. Did you come from another sport before beach tennis?
Yeah, I played tennis before this. So picking up a racket felt natural, but beach tennis is its own thing — the sand, the net height, the no-bounce rule — it definitely took some getting used to!
4. What’s your favorite part of the game?
Just being outdoors on the beach with a nice breeze hitting you while you play. There's something about the combination of sand under your feet, the sun, and a good rally that you just can't get from an indoor sport.
5. What’s the toughest part of the game for you right now?
Honestly, unlearning my tennis habits. The technique is different enough that my muscle memory works against me sometimes. Like, the grip, the swing — things I've done for years in tennis don't always translate the way you'd think.
6. Got a favorite move or shot?(e.g. smash, drop shot, block, serve)
The drop shot, hands down. There's nothing better than faking the power and then just gently dropping it over the net while your opponent is already leaning back. Let them run 🤣 It's sneaky and I love it.
7. If you could improve one thing about your game, what would it be?
My smash for sure. I want that one shot where you just end the point right there — no second chances.
8. Do you play beach tennis mainly for fun, fitness, or competition?
All three honestly — fun, fitness, and competition.
9. How has beach tennis changed your routine or lifestyle?
Big time. I genuinely miss the weekends when I can't make it to the beach. It's become such an important part of my life — not just the sport itself, but the people, the vibe, the whole thing.
10. Any advice you’d give to someone trying beach tennis for the first time?
Get some proper training from the start — seriously. Like with any sport, it's way easier to learn the right technique early on than to unlearn bad habits later. Trust me, I know from experience! Also just come with an open mind and be ready to have a good time.
11. If you had to explain beach tennis in one sentence, what would you say?
It's like badminton on the beach with a soft tennis ball and a padel-like racket.
That's Jeroen for you — keeping it real, having fun, and always up for a good rally. If his answers made you even a little curious, come check it out at the beach sometime. Fair warning though: most people don't stop at just one session!