Doubles vs singles?

[nvr2old]

Just joined a tennis club locally. Was looking forward to playing some singles. Unfortunately the club seems to be composed mostly of groups who solely play doubles. I still have access to the private courts which is great but don't have any tourney possibilities as a singles player with the club it seems. Might have to look into USTA leagues in my area. I plan on trying to get the members excited about some singles events but my guess is being an older age group that's not going too far (I'm 60 but still enjoy singles more than doubles).

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Just joined a tennis club locally. Was looking forward to playing some singles. Unfortunately the club seems to be composed mostly of groups who solely play doubles. I still have access to the private courts which is great but don't have any tourney possibilities as a singles player with the club it seems. Might have to look into USTA leagues in my area. I plan on trying to get the members excited about some singles events but my guess is being an older age group that's not going too far (I'm 60 but still enjoy singles more than doubles).

The older the group, the less likely they are to play singles [let alone get excited about it]. Still, give it a try.

 

[blip]

Look for other leagues available in your area. Ultimate tennis, etc. If available, they have singles seasons where you play 5-6 matches then playoffs. Fun! We have a senior in our bracket occassionally, he is top old guy and beats all of us regularly. He just hits a ball that you don't like, whatever that may be. He lets screaming winners go, and wins necessary points. Serve is unpredictable, and he gets to much more than he should.

 

[chrisingrassia]

Flex league. Meetup. Craigslist.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Just joined a tennis club locally. Was looking forward to playing some singles. Unfortunately the club seems to be composed mostly of groups who solely play doubles. I still have access to the private courts which is great but don't have any tourney possibilities as a singles player with the club it seems. Might have to look into USTA leagues in my area. I plan on trying to get the members excited about some singles events but my guess is being an older age group that's not going too far (I'm 60 but still enjoy singles more than doubles).

regarding 4.5 40+
all the "50-60" somethings I know, when they play USTA,... all play 40+ leagues. of those, some have commented that 55+ league is too slow.... but they are still good enough to compete in 40s at the #2s line (which is a very tough line - ie. you're playing the top 4.5's for every team)

 

[user92626]

My experience is that even when the elder players are capable of playing singles, they have already become extremely reluctant for fear of losing face in a loss. The elder players I know rally and move very well, very competitive in doubles but they avoid singles like the plague.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

Learn doubles!

 

[barnes1172]

My experience is that even when the elder players are capable of playing singles, they have already become extremely reluctant for fear of losing face in a loss. The elder players I know rally and move very well, very competitive in doubles but they avoid singles like the plague.

This is very true.

 

[ChaelAZ]

For many clubs, doubles matches doubles the number of people using the court at a time so many promote those league and events over singles. And as mentioned, the older players get the less likely they are to want to run around. The 40+ leagues are always trying to recruit singles players so the rest of the majority can play dubs.

 

[LeeD]

Seems the ratio of singles only vs doubles only player's for 60+ appear's to be about 1 to 15.
So, when you find the one, embrace the find, and don't crush him by bagels every time you play against him.
Most of my singles opponent's are between 15 and 52, so they don't believe in my philosophy.

 

[Traffic]

Learn doubles!

I had to learn how to play doubles. Mostly because club match play only has so many courts available. So doubles allows 4ppl to play on a court vs 2.

Our club also has a USTA team. 2 single and 3 doubles.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Canadian doubles? [emoji38]

Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

 

[WYK]

This is very true.

I think it may have as much to do with the fact they are reminded of what they have lost due to age...

 

[Tennisplyr]

Try to put your name up a board "looking for singles" and ask around for those interested in singles. In my mid sixties and in similar situation, I found a few interested in singles. Seek and ye shall find

 

[Stretchy Man]

I would ask around. It might seem that everyone is happy playing doubles but you might find a few interested in singles.

Average age at my club is around 60. I was thinking about leaving but I managed to get just enough players for a league team. I also asked the club captain to organize singles matches on Saturdays for the few of us interested and not just doubles. The club was happy to help because they realize the club might die out if they don't attract younger players by playing singles.

Glad I stayed because it's a friendly club. No agro.