N.T.R.P. – How Do You Rate?
Every tennis player wants to know how good they are… what is your rating? Use our condensed version of the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP – self rating guide) to find out how you rate and to set goals for your next lesson series. |
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Questions and Answers before you begin your rating search…
Q. Can a player with an obvious stroke deficiency be rated at the same level, or higher, than a player who has no such deficiency?
A. Yes. Some players, for example, cannot hit topspin backhands but have certain abilities that enable them to play competitively with players who can do so. |
Q. Should players rate themselves as singles players, doubles players, or both? A. Players should rate themselves based on their overall tennis ability. If players are stronger at singles or doubles, they should base their rating on the stronger game.Q. Must players qualify on all points of all NTRP Playing Level Characteristics?A. No. The rating categories are generalizations about skills. |
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| 2.0 |
Needs on-court experience. Has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play. FOREHAND: lacks direction BACKHAND: avoids SERVE: incomplete motion VOLLEY: reluctant to play net PLAYING STYLE: frequently out of position |
| 2.5 |
Learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability. FOREHAND: form developing BACKHAND: grip and preparation problems SERVE: attempting full swing VOLLEY: uncomfortable at net PLAYING STYLE: remains in initial doubles position |
| 3.0 |
Fairly consistent when hitting medium-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 and one-back. FOREHAND: some direction, lacks depth BACKHAND: prepared, fairly consistency SERVE: developing rhythm, no consistency when trying for power VOLLEY: consistent FH, inconsistent BH, trouble with low or wide shots PLAYING STYLE: weak execution at net |
| 3.5 |
Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles. FOREHAND: developing spin BACKHAND: trouble on high or hard shots SERVE: has control and some power VOLLEY: proper footwork, difficulty putting volleys away PLAYING STYLE: consistent, looks for opportunities – good overheads on easy lobs |
| 4.0 |
Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. FOREHAND: dependable BACKHAND: consistent, developing spin SERVE: can place both serves, power on first, uses spin VOLLEY: depth and control FH, consistent BH lacks depth PLAYING STYLE: not yet playing percentage tennis – can poach and lob defensively |
| 4.5 |
Starting to master the use of power and spins and 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 serve. Tends to over hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles. |
| DID YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT RATING? Ask yourself: “Can I play competitively against ANY AGE player of my gender who is rated at the same level that I have rated myself? If your answer is “yes,” your self-rating is probably accurate – your local USNTA Certified Pro can confirm your self-evaluation. |
