The
National Tennis Rating
Program (NTRP)
is the official system for determining the levels of competition for the USA
League Tennis. The primary goal of the program is to help all tennis players
enjoy the game by providing a method of classifying skill levels for more
compatible matches, group lessons, league play, tournaments and other
programs.
To place yourself:
A.
Begin with
1.5. Read all categories carefully and then decide which one best describes
your present ability level. Be certain that you qualify on all points of all
preceding levels as well as those in the level you choose.
B. When rating yourself assume you are playing against a player of the same
gender and the same ability.
General Characteristics of Various NTRP Playing Levels
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 shorts, 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
You have had
intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and
collegiate levels and have obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.
7.0
You are a world-class player.
