FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A: In tennis, each team has a line-up. It is basically a list that ranks the players in order from best (Varsity) to beginners (Exhibition). When we play another team, our varsity plays their varsity (in order), or JV vs. their JV, our Exhibition vs. their Exhibition. This way, everyone is playing someone similar to their skill level. Tennis is not very fun if you are either way better or way worse than you opponent.
At the beginning of the season, you will have an intra-team match, where players will play their teammates. This helps each coach get an idea of where everyone falls on the ladder. Throughout the season, the ladder will change dramatically based on a number of factors, some of them being: what your coach sees during practice, what they see during matches/match results, challenge matches, and mid-season tournament.
A. Each child needs their own tennis racket, athletic shoes (preferable court shoes), and weather-appropriate athletic clothing. For beginners, there's no need to go out and buy a super expensive racket. However, we do highly recommend something that the racket is age/size appropriate, and not super old. Click here for more information about what size of racket may be ideal for your child.
A: No skill level is required, beginner, intermediate, and advanced players are all welcome. We try to give each player meaningful experiences at practices based on their skill level. For matches, each team has a team ladder, with top players playing against each other and the format continues on down.
A: The Elementary league is divided into varsity and JV/exhibition tournaments. Each player is guaranteed two matches at their assigned tournament, with a first, second and third place awarded.
The middle school leagues are divided into varsity, JV, and exhibition tournaments. Varsity has three tournament levels, regions, sectionals, and state. Top players from regions move to sectionals/state. JV and exhibition play a regional tournament where they are guaranteed two matches, with a first, second, and third place awarded.
A. We understand that it is a big deal for some players to play either varsity or junior varsity. Us as coaches have played on a lot of different teams and we know the feeling. Coaches try to be as fair as possible with player positioning. Coaches want to win matches so they will try to make a line-up that can accomplish that goal. THE LINEUP IS NOT PERMANENT!! Teams will have an intra-team match at the beginning of the season to get a starting line-up, but it will look nothing like the end of the year line-up. It will change almost every single week based on what your coach sees in practice, challenge matches, and match performance. If a varsity player loses a match pretty badly and a JV player kills their opponent, coaches can do some moving around with those positions. This is for everyone's benefit, that way everyone will play opponents that are similar to their level.
If your son/daughter doesn't like singles or doubles and wants to ONLY play the other one, we are sorry but that's not how it works. Coaches will not change a player to singles or doubles based on preference. If your player chooses to pursue tennis further on, they will have to play all kinds of positions with a spectrum of partners, that is the nature of tennis.
If you do have concerns about your players position on the ladder, you may talk to your coach and have a chat about the situation. We want everyone to have a good season and be playing in the position they deserve.
A: We do not provide uniforms anymore. Your coach may organize the team to order uniforms, but it is not mandatory. We strongly encourage parents help the coach by taking the lead in figuring out team uniforms, if desired. We also offer Utah Youth Tennis uniforms/merchandise that can be found at this website:
A: There are a couple of rule changes that our league uses that are a little different from traditional tennis. If you or your player doesn't already know traditional scoring, there are tons of websites and YouTube videos out there that will teach you about scoring and rules. Your coach will also be going over everything for the first week or two.
At UYT, we play NO-AD scoring. This is very different for a lot of people. Instead of a game getting to deuce, then having to win two points in a row, we play that whoever wins the next point, wins the game. This helps with match length so we can get everyone on the courts before it gets dark. Additionally, for matches to 8, we do a tiebreak at 7-7 instead of 8-8; and for matches to 6, we do a tiebreak at 5-5 instead of 6-6.
A: You will need to message our customer service team member Cassie at utahyouthtennis@gmail.com. It should be no problem to get you switched where you need to be.
