NTRP Back when I first started playing tennis (about a billion years ago, lol!), USTA officials physically rated players.
Yep, unlike today’s NTRP self-rating system, newbie players like myself had to actually go in person to a designated tennis club (and only on certain days).
There, we filled out paperwork, including filling in what we thought our rating was. But that’s not all…
The old days
We had to sit in bleachers that lined one of the club’s tennis courts, and based on our NTRP self-rating, we were called onto the court in groups of 4 (for doubles), where we played maybe 5 (10??) points (with everyone getting to serve), or for a long enough time for the officials to study our game. Then we were called off the court to sit and watch as a new foursome took to the court to do the same. We waited for our ratings and after 30 minutes or so, they posted the list. My rating was a disappointing 2.38 (yep, they use hundredths, lol!), but I was classified as a 2.5. I deserved it though, as I only knew how to slice and had no weapons of any kind.
Today
That was many moons ago. There is a BIG difference in skills from the beginner I was to the solid player I am today. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to improve my game. I’ve taken lessons and drills, and now I’m a solid 4.5, though I play and win at the 5.0 level.
It takes a while for a rating to go up (or down). I climbed to 3.5 quickly – in about 2 years, but it took longer to move up to 4.0 – maybe 3 years. And it took even longer to get up to 4.5, but probably because I didn’t play in league as much. Once you get into the 4.5+ range, there really isn’t much difference in skill level, just consistency and perhaps a little power. The only way to move up from here is to play stronger people.
How ’bout you? What are you currently rated, or what do you think you’d be rated? You can find your tennis rating using the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) category chart. Developed by the U.S. Tennis Association in 1979, this is the most accurate rating system available.
I had a similar experience getting rated in the mid 90s and was rated 3.5, Butkus taken me til this year to move to 4.0…I was certain I’d die a 3.5 player! Doesn’t matter to me…I love to play (but I do like winning!)
Hi Carrie π
It’s crazy how long it takes to move up – especially if you only play in one league. I’m always trying to improving my game, and it’s so satisfying to see the proof in the numbers!