General Characteristics of Various Playing Levels:
Established by the USTA and
called the National
Tennis Rating Program or NTRP. (recommended to print this page and
bring it to your lessons)
1.5
You have limited experience and are working primarily on getting the
ball in play.
2.0
You lack court experience and your strokes need developing. You are
familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play.
2.5
You are learning to judge where the ball is going, although your court
coverage is limited. You can sustain a short rally of slow pace with
other players of the same ability.
3.0
You are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but are not
comfortable with all strokes and lack execution when trying for
directional control, depth, or power. Your most common doubles formation
is one-up, one-back.
3.5
You have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control
on moderate shots, but need to develop depth and variety. You exhibit
more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage and are
developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0
You have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on
both forehand and backhand sides on moderate-paced shots. You can use
lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success and
occasionally force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to
impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.
4.5
You have developed your use of power and spin and can handle pace. You
have sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and attempt to vary
game plan according to your opponents. You can hit first serves with
power and accuracy and place the second serve. You tend to over hit on
difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
5.0
You have good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot
or attribute around which a game may be structured. You can regularly
hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys.
You can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead
smashes, and have good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.5
You have mastered power and/or consistency as a major weapon. You can
vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit
dependable shots in a stress situation.
6.0 to 7.0
These players usually have extensive training from tennis academies.
Once a player reaches 6.5 their goal is to compete for prize monies as
professionals. Once attaining 7.0, they have become world class touring
pros.