Decades (presented by Mark Tennant, ITF)
What is decades?
Decades is a simple, fun team format for players of different ages. The format involves both singles and doubles matches.
Organiser tips
COURTS AND PLAYERS: Split all players into 2 teams, each player should be from a different decade (eg Under 10, 10-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 etc). Our scoresheet shows 4 players per team but you can adapt to have more players and more teams.
Use relevant courts and balls for players aged under 10. Even in the doubles match, older players should play on a court and with a ball that suits the younger competitors.
SCORING: Matches are tiebreaks to 9 points. Sudden-death at 8-8.
SCORESHEETS: Write players names and scores on the scoresheet (see next page)
Activity
ORDER OF PLAY: Start with the youngest players playing singles (eg the 2 under-10 players) then carry on until the oldest players have played their singles match. Next, make up doubles pairings and put those matches on next, every player should play 1 singles and 1 doubles match.
AT THE END: The winner is the team with the most points won at the end of the event.
Adapt the Format
Many formats can easily be adapted to suit players aged under 10, mixed ages, teams and to be a more or less competitive event.
Download ‘ADAPTING COMPETITION’ for a quick and easy guide to adapting this format to suit your needs.
Themes
Many competitions are more fun and easier to promote if they have a theme such as Davis Cup, Olympics or Family Day attached.
Download ‘ADDING THEMES’ for ideas.
