How to Determine Your Level of Play and NTRP Rating in League Tennis

Has anyone asked you what level you play in tennis? Don’t know if you are a 1.5, 3.5, or 7.0 player? Don’t worry… we’ve got all the answers 🙂

We will explain the NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) ratings below to help you figure out your level. This is very useful when deciding which league teams or tournaments are right for you!

Beginner level (1.0 – 2.5)

• 1.0 Player: You played tennis for the first time.
• 1.5 Player: You have limited experience with stroke development and are still working primarily on getting the ball into play. You are not yet ready to compete.
• 2.0 Player (Beginner): You need on-court experience, with an emphasis on play. You struggle to find an appropriate contact point, need stroke development/lessons and are not yet familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles.
• 2.5 Player (Beginner): You are learning to judge where the oncoming ball is going and how much swing is needed to return it consistently. Movement to the ball and recovery are often not efficient. You can sustain a backcourt rally with slow pace, and rally with other players of similar ability. You are beginning to develop your strokes and becoming more familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles. You are ready to play social matches, leagues and low-level tournaments. Potential limitations: grip weaknesses; limited swing and inconsistent toss on serve; limited transitions to the net.

Intermediate Level (3.0 – 3.5)

• 3.0 Player (High Beginner): You are fairly consistent when contacting the ball with medium-paced shots. However, you are not comfortable with all strokes and can still have trouble executing them. You might struggle with the ball’s directional control, depth, or power. The most common doubles formation you will use at that level is the one-up, one-back. Potential limitations: inconsistency when applying or handling pace; difficulty handling shots outside of their strike zone; can be uncomfortable at the net.
• 3.5 Player (Intermediate): You have improved stroke dependability, stronger directional control, and moderate shot selection. Still, there needs to be an improvement in your depth. You exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage, and are developing teamwork in doubles. Potential strengths: You can generally rally from the baseline opposite a net player. Players at this level may start to utilize mental skills related to concentration, tactics and strategy.
• 4.0 Player (High Intermediate): You have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides. You can use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with some ease and occasionally force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident. Potential strengths: dependable second serve; recognizes opportunities to finish points.

Advanced level (4.5 – 7.0)

• 4.5 Player (Intermerdiate Advanced): You have developed your use of power and spin and can handle the pace. You have very sound footwork, can control the depth of shots, and attempt to vary the game plan according to the situation of the match. You can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. You tend to overhit shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles. Potential strengths: points are frequently won off the serve or return of serve; able to offset weaknesses; may have a weapon around which your game can be built.
• 5.0 Player (Advanced): You have good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot or weapon 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, and overhead smashes and have good depth and spin on most second serves. Potential strengths: covers and disguises weaknesses well; can hit offensive volleys and half-volleys from mid-court; can employ physical or mental fitness as a weapon.
• 5.5 Player (Senior Advanced): You have mastered power and consistency as a major weapon in your game. You can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive environment and hit dependable shots in pressure situations. Strengths: can hit offensively at any time; can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive situations; first and second serves can be depended upon in stress situations.
• 6.0 – 7.0 Player (Professional): You have had intensive training for national tournament competitions at the junior and collegiate levels. You have obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.