Lucky dip

(presented by Mark tennant)

What is Lucky Dip?

Lucky dip is a doubles format that sees all players given a number. Players are then put into different doubles pairings for each match through drawing numbers. This is ideal for introducing new players to the club through a fun, social format.

Organiser tips

COURTS AND PLAYERS: For any number of players but the number should be divisible by 4 (eg 8, 12, 16). You need 1 court for every 4 players.

SCORING: Matches are timed and should last 5-10 minutes. Scoring is counting 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. Players score their own matches.

Activity

ORDER OF PLAY: Give each player a random number (eg if 12 players a number between 1 and 12). Write each number on a piece of paper then draw numbers at random to create doubles pairs (eg 3&8, 2&11). After each match, players record their scores and then new doubles pairings are drawn. Play as many matches as you have time for.

AT THE END: The winner is the player who earns the most points. If there is a tie, play a singles or doubles match to determine the winner. You could choose the 4 players with the highest scores to play a final and find a winning pair.

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.

Sample Scoresheet