Box leagues
Divisions of similar strength, play everyone, move up or down.
The classic club league: everyone is grouped into small divisions — boxes — of similar strength, plays everyone in their box over a few weeks, and moves up or down when the cycle rolls over.
Free for players and clubs · web, iOS and Android
How it works
The player experience — and what running one actually involves.
- 1
Boxes of similar strength
Everyone is placed in a division — a box — with players of a similar level, so every match matters and none are a walkover.
- 2
Play everyone in your box
Over the cycle you play one match against each team in your division. Singles or doubles — your club decides.
- 3
Schedule at your own pace
Propose a date in the app, your opponent accepts, and the match is booked — no fixed nights unless your club wants them.
- 4
Record the score in seconds
Enter the result straight from the match — your opponent or an admin approves it and the table updates instantly.
- 5
Points build the table
Wins earn points under the club's scoring system, with optional bonus points for completing all your matches.
- 6
Promotion and relegation
Finish top and move up a box next cycle; finish bottom and drop down. Every cycle is a fresh start.
What is a box league?
A box league (also called a division league or pyramid league) groups a club's players into small divisions — boxes — of four to eight entrants of similar ability. Everyone plays everyone in their box across a cycle of a few weeks, scheduling each match whenever suits both players. It is the most popular way to run ongoing competitive play at racket-sport clubs because every match is close, and nobody has to commit to a fixed night.
On Tap Leagues the whole thing runs itself: players propose match times in the app, record scores in seconds, and watch the live table. When a cycle ends, promotion and relegation move players between boxes and a new cycle starts — the rollover wizard handles dropouts, new joiners and the reshuffle in one flow. Entry fees, bonus points and custom scoring systems are all optional extras.
Why clubs choose box leagues
Every match is competitive
Boxes keep levels close, so nobody coasts and nobody gets crushed — the fixture list is full of matches worth playing.
Flexible by design
Players arrange their own matches inside the cycle window. Perfect for clubs where members play at different times.
A season that never ends
Cycles roll into each other with promotion and relegation, so there is always something to play for.
Clubs that want a season-long competitive structure members can fit around their own diaries.
Great for these sports
Frequently asked questions
How many players do I need for a box league?
Anything from eight upwards works well — most clubs run boxes of five or six players each, so 20 players makes four healthy divisions. The cycle wizard lays the divisions out for you and you can even them up with a drag.
How long should a cycle last?
Four to six weeks is typical: long enough for everyone to play four or five matches at their own pace, short enough that the promotion and relegation battle stays exciting.
What happens if someone does not play their matches?
Unplayed matches simply score nothing (clubs often award bonus points for completing every match), and walkovers can be recorded when someone forfeits. At rollover the wizard makes it easy to drop inactive players or move them down.
Is it free to run a box league?
Yes — Tap Leagues is free for clubs and players, on the web and in the iOS and Android apps. Clubs that want to charge entry fees can collect them through club payments.
Not quite the right fit?
Tap Leagues runs five formats — mix and match them at one club.
Run box leagues at your club — free
Set up in minutes on the web, and your members play along on iOS and Android.
Download the app today
Download the app today and you can start to manage your clubs on the go.
