Tennis Rating System
Before registering, please rate yourself using the National Tennis Rating Program. Read all categories carefully and then decide which one best describes your present ability level. This will ensure fair competition and enjoyment for all participants involved. The rating categories are generalizations about skill levels. The category you choose is not meant to be permanent, but may be adjusted as your skills change or as your match play demonstrates the need for reclassification. Ultimately your rating is based upon match results.
1.0 This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5 This player has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.
2.0 This player needs on-court experience. This player has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play.
2.5 This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. When playing with others of the same ability this player can sustain a short rally of slow pace with only modest consistency.
3.0 This player is fairly consistent when hitting moderate paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up, one-back.
3.5 This player has achieved improved stroke consistency with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0 This player has good consistency (dependable strokes), including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderated shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.
4.5 This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serves. Is tentative on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
5.0 This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot, consistency or attribute around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.5 This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and is capable of hitting dependable shots in a stress situation.
6.0 These players will generally not need NTRP ratings. Rankings or past rankings will speak for themselves. The 6.0 to 7.0 player typically has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.
The 6.5 player has a reasonable chance of succeeding at the 7.0 level and has extensive satellite tournament experience.
The 7.0 is a world class player who is committed to tournament competition on the international level and whose major source of income is tournament prize winnings.