Making a team lineup for a tennis match takes more than just putting your players in order. If you don't follow your league's rules, you might forfeit a single line or the entire dual match. Even if you follow the official rules, the way you make a lineup sends a message to your players or teammates that might cause strife. Following basic tried-and-true rules for making a lineup will help you avoid negative situations.
Step 1
Obtain a copy of your league's rules for making lineups. Look for situations that cover changing player positions from match to match, previous matches affecting subsequent lineups or recorded, witnessed challenges required before lineup changes. Scholastic teams generally must follow a set of rules for placing players, while recreational leagues generally feature an honor code for making lineups by strength.
Step 2
Set your rules for players qualifying for match play and positions. This might include challenge matches or won-loss record in matches. Tell your team at the beginning of the season your rules and methods for making lineups.
Step 3
Learn what you can about the upcoming match that might affect your lineup, such as playing surface and likely opponents.
Step 4
Review the eligibility of the players you plan to put in your lineup. Review your league rules and the rules you gave to your teammates before your first match of the season. Make your lineup based on these and any subjective factors created by the opponent or surface.
Step 5
Check the results of your last match if the match is not the first match of the season to make sure your lineup is legal. For example, the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association allows individual players to move up or down two positions from where they played their last match, but doubles teams may only move one position. Keep in mind whether you are playing a match out of order. For example, if you decide to play your week #5 match before your week #4 match to avoid playing the week #5 match on a holiday, the lineup might have to follow the rules based on the order in which the match was scheduled, not played.
Step 6
Give your lineup to a co-captain, assistant coach or other team member to review to ensure you have not made a mistake. This can provide useful feedback for strengthening the lineup or avoiding team strife.
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