USTA Self Rating System, National Tennis
Rating Program (NTRP)
NTRP Rating Categories:
1.0 This player is just
starting to play tennis.
1.5 This player has limited playing experience
and is still working primarily on getting the ball in play.
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.
2.5 This
player is learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is
weak. This player can sustain a slow rally with other players of same
ability.
3.0 This player is consistent when hitting medium pace shots,
but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks control when trying for
directional intent, depth, or power.
3.5 This player has achieved
improved stroke dependability and direction on moderate pace shots, but still
lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has
improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0 This
player has dependable strokes, including directional intent, 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 and teamwork in doubles is evident.
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 tactics
according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy
and place the second serve and is able to rush the net successfully.
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, can put away volleys, can
successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes, and
has good depth and spin on most second serves.
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.
6.0 These players will generally not need
NTRP rankings. Rankings or past rankings will speak for themselves. The 6.0
player typically has had intensive training for national tournament competition
at the junior level and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional or
national ranking.
6.5 The 6.5 player has a reasonable chance of
succeeding at the 7.0 lever and has extensive satellite tournament
experience.
7.0 The 7.0 is a world class player who is committed to
tournament competition on the international level and whose major source of
income is tournament prize winnings.
If your self-assessment falls between two categories, then the lower one should
be used to determine your playing level.
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