Whether you’re serving up casual rallies with friends, squeezing in a quick rally between swims, or trying to outdo the neighbours two towels over, a good bat-and-ball set is the undisputed screen-free hero of summer holidays.
This year, the simple beach game has enjoyed an upgrade. Beach tennis, paddleball, and even pickleball are enjoying a renaissance, each with its own rules, kit and culture.
The good news? You don’t need to be a pro (or even particularly coordinated) to get involved. All you need is a set that won’t snap by day three, a flat-ish stretch of sand, and someone willing to run for the wild ones.
But before we dive into the sets themselves…
…Beach Tennis, Bat and Ball, Paddleball, Pickleball – what on earth is the difference?
At a glance, they all involve a paddle and a ball, but the nuances are what make each game unique (and knowing the difference makes you sound vaguely sporty at beach BBQs).
Now that you’re fluent in beach bat dialects, let’s get to the sets that are worth packing. Whether you’re heading to Cornwall, Corfu or Clapham Common (you’d be surprised), there’s a set for every skill level and sand scenario.
Shop the edit below
Not Another Bill Bat and Ball Set
An objet d’art disguised as a beach toy, this premium bat and ball set is handmade in Cornwall with sustainably sourced wood and comes in a slick, striped canvas carry case. Less for lobbing around at Brighton Pier, more for swanning around the Amalfi Coast – although it’s hardy enough for a proper rally. A brilliant gift for someone with a second home (or who likes to pretend they do), especially since it can be personalised.
Buy now £125.00, Not Another Bill
Decathlon Beach Tennis Racket Set Experience
No fuss, no frills – just solid gear that’ll survive a summer of sand and sunscreen. This Decathlon set comes with two wooden paddles and a low-pressure ball, ideal for proper beach tennis (net optional). Lightweight, durable, it’s perfect if you want to test your skills without committing to the full pro-tour fantasy.
Buy now £12.99, Decathlon
Sunnylife Beach Paddle Set
Part paddle set, part poolside prop. Sunnylife’s technicolour paddles come in punchy prints that look as good on your towel as they do mid-air. Made from solid MDF wood with a soft foam grip, they’re more aesthetic than athletic, but perfect for casual games and beachside posing.
Bonus: they come in a sleek carry case, so you can coordinate your kit like a pro.
Buy now £29.00, Sunnylife
Printworks Portable Table Tennis
Ok, it’s not technically beach tennis - but it is the perfect al fresco game for garden gatherings or long lunch breaks. This beautifully designed set comes with paddles, balls, and a roll-out net that clips to almost any table. The case looks more like luxury stationery than sports gear, making it a chic addition to any picnic or holiday rental. Just add rosé and some good-natured rivalry.
Buy now £72.00, Printworks
Nettie Pickleball Set
The darling of the pickleball scene, Nettie blends performance with pastel charm. This set includes two USAPA-approved paddles, four balls, and a canvas duffel that’ll have you looking like you’ve just come from a boutique tennis club. Designed for serious play but stylish enough to carry around Soho, it’s the ultimate entry point into the sport that’s taking over the world.
Buy now £140.00, Free People
Sun Bum Wooden Beach Paddleball Set
Easy, breezy and brilliantly branded, this no-nonsense paddleball set from cult sunscreen label Sun Bum is ideal for chucking in your beach bag. The lightweight wooden bats are splash-proof and come with a bright rubber ball that’s easy to spot in the sand. The perfect backup set for spontaneous seaside sessions, or a great starter kit for younger players.
Buy now £21.49, Amazon
Atoz 6833 Soft Tennis
A steal at under a tenner, this soft tennis set is a firm family favourite, especially for younger players or beach-goers who prefer more of a lob than a smash. The spongey foam ball is ideal for gentle play (or for avoiding rogue hits to unsuspecting sunbathers), and the matching foam rackets are light, durable and almost impossible to damage. More funfair than Wimbledon, but all the better for it.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon
Vilbrequin Wooden Beach Paddles
Vilebrequin brings Côte d’Azur energy to the classic beach paddle set, which is handcrafted from solid wood, with a chic tropical design and luxe neoprene ball. This is the Rolls-Royce of bat and ball, made for beach clubs and five-star sunbeds.
Pricey? Yes. But it’s more than a toy, it’s a summer statement.
One for those who play (and pack) in style.
Buy now £180.00, Vilbrequin
