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NTRP ratings are used to
describe a player's skill level at tennis. To find out your skill
level, you should go to a local club and have the club pro watch you
play and then rate you. Here is the USTA's description of the
various skill levels:
General Characteristics of
Various NTRP Playing Levels
(Wheelchair players please see note below)
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
overhit 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.
Players in Wheelchairs:
Players in wheelchairs should use these general characteristics to
determine their NTRP skill level. The only differences are as
follows: Mobility: while players in wheelchairs may have skills
that would normally provide them a certain rating, the mobility factor
suggests that when competing against able-bodied players, they should
participate at an NTRP skill level that provides for competitive rather
than compatible play. Serving ability: Due to the nature of
the player’s injury or disability, a powerful serve may not be
possible. In this case, it may be more realistic to self-rate
below 4.0 as service strength becomes key beyond this level.
Many tournament players in wheelchairs have already received an NTRP
rating. Wheelchair players should check with players whose skills match
their own before determining their rating. The very best
world-class players in wheelchairs have an NTRP rating in the low 4.5s.
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