The sport of foot tennis has delighted enthusiasts since its birth in Czechoslovakia back in 1922. Players showcase their soccer skills on a tennis court setup, using every body part except their hands to keep the ball moving.
Soccer tennis, as many call it today, started as a simple warm-up drill but grew into something much bigger. The game now features official rules and competitions worldwide. Teams of one, two, or three players face off across a net standing 1.10 meters high. Each match follows a straightforward scoring system - the first team to reach 11 points wins the set. The game's flexibility shines through as players can enjoy matches both indoors and outdoors, making it available to everyone regardless of their skill level.
This piece takes you through the world of foot tennis. You'll discover its rich history, simple rules, and learn how to start playing this exciting sport.
Foot tennis, also known as futnet, combines soccer's technical skills with tennis's strategic gameplay. Players from Football Club Slavia Prague created this unique sport in 1922. They called it "football over the rope" because of its simple setup that used a horizontally suspended rope.
The sport became widely popular across Czechoslovakia, which led to its first official rules in 1940. The inaugural Futnet Cup soon followed and marked the start of competitive matches. Central European nations embraced the sport enthusiastically. This enthusiasm led to the creation of the first league, Trampská Liga, which ran from 1953 to 1961.
Players face each other on a court divided by a 1.10-meter net. They can use any body part except their hands to control and return the ball. The game features three different disciplines: singles, doubles, and triples. Teams need 11 points with a two-point lead to win a set, and matches typically end when a team wins two sets. No set can exceed a score of 15-14.
The sport's organization changed substantially over time. The Czechoslovak Sports Organization recognized foot tennis as a legitimate sport in 1961. The Czech Futnet Association emerged in 1971, and the Slovak Futnet Association followed in 1974.
Foot tennis grew internationally during the 1990s when European Championships began in 1991. Though many still say "football tennis," the international community prefers "futnet" as the official name. This change acknowledges its 100-year-old history and unique identity.
The game employs specialized equipment, including a specially designed futnet ball. These balls differ from regular soccer balls because manufacturers glue them instead of stitching. They consist of thirty-two synthetic leather panels and bounce less than regular soccer balls. This specialized equipment makes the game more technical while keeping its challenging aspects intact.
Foot tennis rules ensure fair play at every competitive level. Players can choose from three game formats: singles, doubles, and triples. Each format has its own court size and specific rules.
A singles match takes place on a 9m x 12.8m court. Players get two touches and one bounce per play. The court's size stays the same for doubles matches, but teams can use three touches and one bounce. Triples games need more space, so they use a 9m x 18m court. These teams also get three touches and one bounce.
The scoring rules are simple. Teams need to reach 11 points to win a set and must lead by two points. If teams tie, the game continues until one team gets ahead by two points. The final score can't go beyond 15-14.
The court's layout matches regular tennis dimensions - 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. A standard tennis net splits the court and stands 36 inches high at its center. Players must serve the ball diagonally across the court, just like in tennis.
The game's basic rules don't allow players to touch the ball with their hands or arms. Singles players can touch the ball twice before sending it back. Teams playing doubles or triples share three touches total.
Players lose points for these faults:
Hitting the ball out of bounds
Touching the ball with hands or arms
Interfering with the net
Stepping into the court while serving
Using too many touches or bounces
Service rules keep the game balanced. Teams switch servers every six points. Players rotate clockwise after each point to mix up strategy and give everyone equal playing time.
A fun game of foot tennis needs good preparation and solid technique knowledge. The standard court measures eight meters in length and 12.8 meters in width. Players set up a net at 1.1 meters height in the middle.
Mark your court dimensions with cones or markers. You can play foot tennis both indoors and outdoors. The game needs a regulation football and a secure net at the right height.
Start with a good warm-up. Light jogging and dynamic stretches will prepare your body for quick movements.
Players take positions on opposite sides of the net. The server stands behind the baseline.
The game starts with a serve. Kick the ball diagonally across the net into your opponent's service area.
Players return the ball using their feet, head, or any body part. Hands and arms are not allowed.
Good footwork gives you a significant edge in foot tennis. Players should work on:
Quick lateral movements and side shuffles
Ball control through dribbling and juggling
Clear communication with teammates in doubles matches
Smart players adapt their tactics based on their opponent's style. Some players like defensive approaches, while others go for aggressive strategies. Success comes from balancing offensive and defensive play.
Players can boost their performance by:
Creating spin serves that challenge opponents
Placing the ball with precision
Making reaction time faster through regular drills
Staying in good position during rallies
Doubles partners need clear signals or verbal cues for coordinated movements and strategic plays. Good communication stops confusion and makes the team play better.
Teams score points when opponents miss returning the ball over the net, hit it out of bounds, or make a fault. Victory goes to the first team that reaches the agreed point total, usually 11 or 21.
Foot tennis exemplifies sporting innovation by combining soccer's precision with tennis court dynamics. This unique sport's roots trace back to Czechoslovakia, and its 100-year old history has shaped clear rules, specialized equipment, and various playing formats suitable for all skill levels.
The sport helps players develop exceptional ball control. Athletes learn strategic thinking and team coordination through singles matches or team formats. Their bodies adapt to the detailed physical demands while mastering tactical requirements.
Recreational players and serious competitors find foot tennis highly accessible and adaptable. Tennis courts convert easily into foot tennis venues. The simple scoring system lets new players learn the game's basics quickly.
Players succeed in foot tennis through dedicated practice. Proper technique development and understanding of core gameplay principles matter greatly. The sport's popularity grows worldwide steadily. Its rich history and well-laid-out framework create strong foundations to accelerate future development.
