We run various mixed, men’s and ladies teams in the local tennis leagues. We also organise occasional friendly matches against other local clubs.
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, 2 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.
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 team in the indoor league which runs through the winter months. Matches are played on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 8pm to 10pm at the Carnegie Indoor Tennis facility in Beckett’s Park. 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?
All summer matches start at 6.30 pm on weekdays or varying times on weekend days. A match lasts between 2 – 3 hours depending on how close the games are. Players would need to get to the 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?
Most teams 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 but you don’t have to commit to all of them. If lots of people are interested and of the appropriate standard for a team, then matches may be shared around. So if other commitments mean you are only able to play a couple of matches that is ok, you could still get an opportunity.
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. If you have played for a team before contact Penny Rice who can help point you in the right direction for the level of play you’re after. If you haven’t played in a team before, or aren’t sure if it’s for you but would like to discuss playing, or think you’re about the right standard but don’t really know, again email Penny.
Our club coaches usually run some doubles tactics sessions for team players preseason. These sessions usually start in April and you don’t need a partner to come along. This is a good way of finding out if team play is for you and to get an idea of the standard required. Contact the coach (coach@stchadstennis.net) for the next session.
If I’m interested where do I start?
Email teams@stchadstennis.net for more information.
