Self-Rating
There are many ways of rating tennis players, some subjective, some objective.
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A widely accepted and published measure is the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) guidelines of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). These measures are primarily objective if decided upon through properly conducted clinics. If decided upon through visual comparison by others to this NTRP measure system, the decided measures become more subjective.
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For those with no available rating measure, it is suggested you ask a tennis related friend[s] who already is familiar with the measures and who has his/her own measure, to view your play and make an initial subjective measure to get you started.
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Remember, the rating categories are generalizations about skill levels. You may actually play above or below your rated skill level depending on your competitive ability. Your self rating is not meant to be static but should adjust as you improve your skills.
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Many have found that the use of these NTRP measures has resulted in more balanced matches for recreational tennis, and more inspiring matches for competitive tennis. Please read on for a detailed description of the NTRP guidelines.
The National Tennis Rating Program
Rating
Ability
1.0
This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5
This player has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into 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 rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
3.0
This player is consistent when hitting medium paced 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 shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player is starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0
This player has dependable strokes, including directional intent 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 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, 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 exceptional consistency 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 to 7.0
These players will generally not need NTRP ratings. 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 and/or national ranking. The 6.5 player has a reasonable chance of succeeding at the 7.0 level and has extensive satellite tournament experience. 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.
For more information, visit the Self-Rating Guide