Shuttlebusters

BADMINTON IN YEOVIL

FRIENDLY MATCHES

One of the key things missing in our area is an easy way for people to get into match play - you're left with a choice of playing knockabout social games or going straight into an existing league team and playing competitively. And that's a big step with a big committment right from the start.

We're trying to fill the gap by providing a series of one-off friendly matches or mini-tournaments - the commitment each time is just one evening but you know you can sign up again next time - and also the friendly and social leagues that provide a first step into league play with a small number of games without having to raise a full sized team or organise a venue.

PARITY

An important feature of friendly matches is to get balanced games you can win if you play well and will lose if you play badly, so we put suitable opponents together and will push players up a level if they're too strong. Our aims include pushing the lowest level down as far as we can. We think entry to match play should be limited only by what's safe and practical, not arbitrary standards set by other people.

FORMATS

The easiest format we use is the friendly league format with four teams of two (ie. one pair!), all play all, best of three. This has the advantage of being easy to organise and fits into two hours on two courts with time to spare and that can be mixed doubles, men's doubles or ladies doubles. We're also trying the social league format which is teams of three (at least one of the three must be female).

DATES AND VENUES

Check the fxtures page for details of what's currently scheduled and who's playing. We have a long-running series of friendly matches played Westlands in Yeovil on Thursdays during the summer. This is mainly players from the lower divisions of the local leagues along with players approaching league level and gaining experience. We can also run friendly matches on other days and at other venues.

DETAILS

To join or ask questions see the contact details at the bottom of the home page. Entries can be in pairs or teams or groups, or individuals we can try to put together to make new pairs or teams. The cost is normally £5 per player. This covers courts for two hours and feather shuttles. Bring your own drinks.