Starting a team and becoming a team captain

For a newly formed team with different levels of players, its best to organise a number of training sessions so that you have an idea about the skill level of players, what their commitment is, what position they prefer to play and their fitness levels.

The questions you need to think about and answer:

Training sessions:

• Where and when?
• How long for?
• How much will it cost?
• How far in advance do I need to book?
• Is it worth making a block booking?
• Where can I get a coach from to train us?
• Shall I organise some friendly matches?

Kit:

• Where can I buy bibs?
• Do I need a spare set?
• What ball is best?
• Do I need a training balls and match balls?

Organising a match:

• What do I need to bring?
• What do I need to tell my players to bring/wear?
• Is there anything else I need to tell them?
• Where can I get in contact with an umpire?
• Which court?

Before playing a match:

• What do I need to do?
• What if one of my players is late?
• What if one of my players is wearing a wedding band, watch or has long nails?

During a match:

• If we make changes at half time who do I tell?
• If we have an injured player what am I able to do?
• If I disagree with an umpires call when should I speak to the umpire?
• If an umpire calls over the captains, can I call my team over afterwards to explain what has been said?

Remember that after a match you may need to sign and hand the score cards and you should raise three cheers for the opposition and the umpire(s).

The organiser of the team needs to ensure that there are bibs of the required standard and a blown up ball. There should be a nominated captain who announces herself or himself to the umpire(s).

The team should be wearing similar kit and a level of support should be given to all of the team throughout the game. Everyone makes mistakes, and being shouted at does little to improve confidence.

 

You need to be aware of your colleagues, where they are on the court and how you can support their play throughout the match.

A good team respects their captain, the umpires and all their fellow players.