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.
New for the 2012 summer season we will also have 2 junior teams, under 8s and under 16s. If you want to find out more about junior play contact Pete Cox, our club coach.
For summer teams:
Leeds Tennis League: Our ladies’, men’s and mixed teams in this league consist of 2 pairs (total of 4 players) who play 2 sets against 2 opposition pairs.
Barkston Ash League: The mixed team in this league consists of 3 mixed pairs who each play 12 games against 3 opposition pairs (ie each pair plays 36 games). Totals are added up at the end and the club with the most games wins.
The Medley Team: This is a Leeds Tennis League mixed team made up of 4 men and 2 ladies. The medley format makes for a more sociable atmosphere though play is still competitive. Ladies play 1 set of ladies doubles and 2 sets of mixed doubles, each with a different partner. Men play 2 sets of men’s doubles with the same partner and 1 set of mixed doubles.
For winter teams:
We also enter 1 or 2 mixed teams 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 Becketts Park. Each team consists of 4 players (2 men and 2 ladies) playing 2 mixed sets and 1 men’s/ladies’ set.
What time do matches start?
All matches start at 6.30 and last 2 – 3 hours depending on how close the games are. Players would need to get to the courts by 6.20pm.
What 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 on 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/ aren’t sure if it’s for you but want to ask about it/ think you’re about the right standard but don’t really know – contact Penny.
Alternatively our club coach, Pete Cox, will meet you and give you an on-court assessment to help you decide if it’s for you – this is very relaxed, takes about 15 minutes and is free!
Pete also runs some doubles tactics sessions for team players pre season. These sessions start in April 2012 on Mondays at 6.15 at St Chad’s courts. He charges a nominal fee dependent on how many people attend (usually a couple of pounds per person) and the sessions concentrate on doubles tactics, positional play etc. You don’t have to have a partner to come along. This would also be a good way of finding out if team play is for you and to get an idea of the standard required for the various teams.
If I’m interested where do I start?
Get in touch with Penny Rice (club chairperson) for more information.