USTA Junior National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) Characteristics
These characteristics are expressed in terms of play abilities, independent of technical skill criteria.
These characteristic levels can likely be achieved sooner with low compression (Red, Orange, Green) balls and courts, before Yellow full-sized play. The Junior NTRP framework was designed by the USTA around Yellow, full-sized play abilities. In practical use, the WTN has replaced NTRP however these definitions below still provide a useful way to think about your play ability progression.
Rating Level 1.01.0 Beginner
This player is just starting to play tennis
Rating Level 1.5
1.5 Beginner
This player has limited experience and is working primarily on getting the ball in play. The player is concentrating on getting the ball over the net from a stationary position and learning to serve and keep score.
- This player is not yet ready to compete.
Rating Level 2.0
2.0 Beginner
This player has little experience playing tennis and needs to coordinate moving when hitting the ball. This player is still working on getting the ball into play and learning basic scoring and rules.
Rating Level 2.5
2.5 Advanced Beginner
This player can sustain a short rally at a slow pace. Strokes are developing, but player is often blocking or pushing the ball. This player knows the basic rules and can play a singles or doubles match.
Rating Level 3.0
3.0 Intermediate
This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots. Player is developing the ability to control the direction of the ball and add spin on serves. This player is developing teamwork in doubles. This player may play in a low position on a high school team or intermediate JTT team.
Rating Level 3.5
3.5 Low Advanced
This player is consistent on groundstrokes with depth and directional control. Developing placement on second serves. This player competes in lowest level sectional tournaments and plays on a high school tennis team and/or advanced JTT team.
Rating Level 4.0
4.0 Advanced
This player has good consistency with increased power on groundstrokes and serves. Aggressive net play is common in doubles. This player is unable to sustain a long rally at a fast pace. This player competes in sectional tournaments and competes on a high school tennis team and/or advanced JTT team.
Rating Level 4.5
4.5 High Advanced
This player is very consistent at good pace or is consistently hitting powerfully. Second serve can be hit with offense. This player has sectional tournament experience and/or play on an advanced JTT team. This player tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play in doubles is common.
Rating Level 5.0
5.0 Low National Tournament
This player has an outstanding shot around which their game is built. This player will have a history of top 50 sectional rankings and/or high school state championship tournament success playing in the top positions on their teams. This player can hit dependable shots in defensive positions.
Rating Level 5.5
5.5 National Tournament
This player has had extensive tournament training and may hold a top 10 sectional and/or top 200 national ranking and/or play division 1 college tennis. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive situation and hit dependable shot in stress situations.
Rating Level 6.0
6.0 High National Tournament
This player has had extensive tournament training and may hold a top 10 sectional and/or top 100 national ranking and/or play division 1 college tennis.
Rating Level 6.5
6.5 Professional
This player has a history of national and international rankings and success in top division 1 collegiate play, ITF and/or professional circuit events.
Rating Level 7.0
7.0 Touring Professional
This player will have ATP/WTA points and a world ranking in the top 300.