How to rate yourself using the NTRP rating system:

The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is the official system for determining the levels of competition for the USTA League Program.

PURPOSE

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.

GUIDELINES

The rating categories are generalizations about skill levels. You may find that you actually play above or below the category which best describes your skill level, depending on your competitive ability. The category you choose is not meant to be permanent, but may be adjusted as your skills change or as your match play demonstrates the need for reclassification. Ultimately your rating is based upon match results.

The most accurate way of rating is a rating based on the results of match play. Self rate yourself the best you can, get out and play some USTA matches and the computer will take care of the rest.

TO PLACE YOURSELF:

  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.
  When rating yourself assume you are playing against a player of the same gender and the same ability. Consider the way you play on an average day, not a day when everything is going right or everything is going wrong.
  Although we all want to think of ourselves as higher level players, it is best to start lower and work your way up. If you rate yourself too low, people will tell you! If you rate yourself too high you won't have as much fun. You can always play above your level but you can not play below your level.
  If you would like some help properly rating yourself, contact us and we'll see if we can find someone to hit with you. Remember, the range of most tennis players is 2.5 to 4.0 which is only 4 categories. That's 4 categories for a lifetime.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NTRP PLAYING LEVELS

 
Rating
Official Definition
Unofficial definition
 
1.5
 This player has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.
 You are just beginning to play. Welcome to the game. You are excited when the ball goes over the net, especially twice in a row. Keep it up and don't get frustrated!!!
 
2.0
 This player needs on-court experience. This player has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.

 You know the rules, or most of them. You might not know where to serve on a tie breaker. You've been hitting the ball over the net a lot and are excited to find people to play with.
 
2.5
 This player is 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. You've got the basic shots, with the exception of possibly the backhand, which you may run around to hit a forehand when you can. You are still having fun but get more frustrated because you think, "I'm better than this". Its at this point that many people give up so hang in there. Find someone to hit with that will do drills instead of just playing games. Work on weaknesses.
 
3.0
 This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium paced shorts, 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, one-back. You are starting to feel like a real tennis player. You hit a lot of "3.5 shots" but have not developed a "3.5 game" yet. Consistency is getting better. Most points are still won on unforced errors instead of on winners. You make a lot of errors going for shots that are too risky and low percentage. Someone watching you from off the court would say "He/she is a tennis player". In most tournaments this is the largest draw for woman's divisions.
 
3.5
 This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing teamwork in doubles.

 You move around the court well and play "points" instead of shots. Strategy is part of your game plan. You are beginning to look for weaknesses in your opponent and selecting your shots based on these. You are learning not to hit shots that you don't have, most of the time. In order to move up to 4.0, you need to really get dedicated and play frequently, working on the weaknesses of your game. In most tournaments this is the largest draw for men's divisions.
 
4.0
 This player 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. This player occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.

 You have probably had some coaching or play tennis very regularly. You have very strong shots and fewer weaknesses. You are finally learning that control is better than power. You realize that you don't need to hit a winner when forcing an error will do. Your second serve is no longer a "dink serve". You have a lot of shots you can use in any given situation and are developing some patience. Congratulations, if you never go higher than 4.0 you can consider yourself a well accomplished tennis player.
 
4.5
 This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. This player tends to over hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

 There are 70 men 4.5 players and 60 women 4.5 players in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Tennis Association 2002 ratings. These are good players. Many college players in smaller schools are 4.5 or below. These people have a game plan and if you are not at their level they seem to "pick you apart" with ease. You feel like you should beat them but you never do. Don't rate yourself at this level unless you are really sure and have beaten some other 4.5 players. You risk getting embarrassed.
 
5.0
 This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most 2nd serves.

 There are 30 men 5.0 players and 11 women 5.0 players in Arkansas. These are tennis pros, former or current college players who are one of the top players on their team. These people are athletes! If you are reading this to learn about ratings you are probably not a 5.0 player. These are more than "players with good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot" as it says to the left - these are fun tennis players to watch because they are GOOD!!!
 
5.5
 This player has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hits dependable shots in a stress situation.
 According to the USTA ratings, there aren't any of these in Arkansas.
 
6.0
 The 6.0 player typically has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.
 Very high end college players and players on the pro circuit trying to get on the ATP tour.
 
7.0
 World Class Player You can watch these players on TV.

In summary, if you are just starting out and are fairly athletic you are probably a 2.0 but if you work at it you'll be a 2.5 before long. If you are not real athletic but just wanting to get out and hit the ball for fun and to get some great exercise, you're a 1.5. If you used to play but haven't played for 15 years, jump in at a 2.5 or 3.0. Stay at 3.0 as long as you can. Win some tournaments. Let the system bump you up. It's thrilling to get bumped by the system, to be recognized for your achievements. Whatever you do, have fun.

Click here to see the 2003 Arkansas Ratings on the ATA website.