Tennis
Tennis Rating Guide
Leagues and clinics group players by N.T.R.P. rating, from 1.0 to 7.0. Read the levels below and pick the one that sounds most like you.
The Levels
What each rating looks like
This is the USTA’s National Tennis Rating Program, in plain words. If you sit between two levels, start at the lower one and move up as you win.
| Rating | The player | What you often see |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Is just starting to play tennis. | |
| 1.5 | Has a little stroke development and is still mostly working on getting the ball into play. Not yet ready to compete. | |
| 2.0 | Needs time on court. Struggles to find the right contact point, needs lessons on strokes, and is still learning where to stand in singles and doubles. | |
| 2.5 | Is learning to judge where the ball is going and how much swing it needs. Can keep a slow rally going with players of the same level. Ready for social matches, leagues and low-level tournaments. | Grip weaknesses, a short swing, an inconsistent toss, and few trips to the net. |
| 3.0 | Is fairly consistent on medium-paced shots, but not comfortable with every stroke, and loses accuracy when aiming for direction, depth or pace. In doubles, usually plays one up, one back. | Trouble with pace and with balls outside the strike zone. Can be uneasy at the net. |
| 3.5 | Has dependable strokes and direction on moderate shots, but lacks depth and variety. Lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys are still limited. More at home at the net, and building teamwork in doubles. | Can rally from the baseline against a net player, and is starting to think about tactics. |
| 4.0 | Has dependable strokes on both sides, with control of depth and direction at a moderate pace. Uses lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with success. Sometimes forces errors on serve. Clear teamwork in doubles. | A dependable second serve, and spots the chance to finish a point. |
| 4.5 | Varies pace and spin, covers the court well and plans a game around an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Serves the first ball with power and accuracy and places the second. Plays aggressively at the net in doubles. | Wins points off the serve or return, and may have a weapon to build a game around. |
| 5.0 | Reads the game well and often has one outstanding shot to build around. Regularly hits winners or forces errors off short balls, puts away volleys, and hits good depth and spin on most second serves. | Hides weaknesses well, attacks from mid-court, and uses fitness as a weapon. |
| 5.5 | Has made pace or consistency a major weapon. Can change strategy and style in competition and hit dependable shots under pressure. | First and second serves hold up under pressure. |
| 6.0–7.0 | Has trained hard for national tournaments or top college tennis and has a national ranking. Players at 6.5 and 7.0 are world class. |
Experienced Players
If you have played before
The USTA adds a few rules of thumb for players with a background in tennis or other racquet sports.
- New to tennis but competitive in another sport? Expect to improve fast, and don’t rate yourself below 3.0.
- Play squash, racquetball, badminton, platform tennis or pickleball at a competitive level? Start at 3.5.
- Played varsity tennis in high school in the last 20 years? Mostly varsity doubles, junior varsity, or under four years of varsity: 3.0. All four years, ending at No. 3 singles or No. 1 doubles or lower: 3.5. Reached the state semi-finals or finals: 4.0.
- Played junior college or college tennis, or held a junior or national ranking? Your starting rating depends on your level and your age today. Ask one of our pros.
- Players in wheelchairs use the same levels. The only difference is mobility.
Ask a pro
Still not sure? Hit with a pro
A single lesson with Dianne, Pontus or Grant will tell you where you stand and what to work on next. The full guide is on the USTA website.