We run various mixed, men’s and ladies’ teams in the local tennis leagues.
We hope this FAQ will answer any questions you might have, but do get in touch if you want further information at teams@stchadstennis.net.
What teams does the club have?
All our adult teams are for doubles play. We enter teams in the Leeds Tennis League and the Barkston Ash League through the summer season. We have 1 ladies’ team, 3 men’s teams and 3 mixed teams.
Summer Teams
Leeds Tennis League, Men’s and Ladies’ Doubles
Ladies’ and men’s teams in this league consist of 2 pairs (total of 4 players) who play 2 sets against each of the 2 opposing pairs. There are typically 10-12 fixtures for each team in a season.
Leeds Tennis League, Medley Doubles
We have 2 medley teams in the Leeds Tennis League. Each team consists of 2 men and 2 women. The medley format makes for a more sociable atmosphere though play is still competitive. Women play 1 set of ladies’ doubles and 2 sets of mixed doubles (1 set against each of 2 opposition pairs) with the same male partner. Men play 1 set of men’s doubles and 2 sets of mixed doubles (1 set against each of 2 opposition pairs) with the same female partner
Barkston Ash League
A mixed team in this league consists of 3 mixed pairs who each play 12 games against 3 opposition pairs (i.e. each pair plays 36 games). Totals are added up at the end and the club with the most games wins.
Winter Teams
We also enter 2 mixed teams in the indoor league which runs through the winter months. Matches are played on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 8pm to 10pm at Leeds Beckett University’s indoor tennis centre on their Headingley Campus. Each team consists of 4 players (2 men and 2 ladies) playing 2 mixed sets and 1 men’s/ladies’ set as per the medley format above.
At what time do matches start?
Summer matches usually start at 6.30 pm on weekdays and occasionally at varying times on the weekend. A match lasts between 2 – 3 hours depending on how close the games are. Players need to arrive on courts by 6.15 pm.
On which day of the week are matches played?
Each team has an allocated home night which you can find on the website, away nights vary for each team.
How often are matches played?
Teams normally play 10 to 12 matches through the season (beginning of May to beginning of August) so it works out at about 1-2 a fortnight. Most teams rotate players from their squad, either according to availability or, in lower teams, to share playing opportunities. Players can opt to participate in just a few matches per season.
What standard do I need to be for team play?
It’s hard to give a precise answer as it varies depending the particular team and annual promotion and relegation. However, most match play is of a good to high standard. All team players would be expected to have a reliable serve, be able to rally consistently and able to volley effectively at the net. If you’ve played for a team before please contact Penny Rice who can help put you in contact with team captains and find the right level of play for you. If you haven’t played in a team before, are unsure if it’s for you, or uncertain if you’re the right standard, again email Penny to discuss your options.
Our club coach usually runs some preseaon doubles tactics training for team players, which start in April. Team captains also organise preseaon try-outs and practice sessions. You don’t need a partner to come along to these events. They’re a good way of finding out if team play is for you and to get an idea of the standard required. Contact our coach, Will, for more information.
