USTA National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) Characteristics

These characteristics are expressed in terms of play abilities, minimally descriptive of technical skill criteria. 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 1.0

1.0

This player is just starting to play tennis

Rating Level 1.5

1.5

This player has had limited experience with stroke development and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.

This player is not yet ready to compete.

Rating Level 2.0

2.0

This player needs on-court experience, with an emphasis on play. This player

struggles to find an appropriate contact point,
needs stroke development/lessons and
is not yet familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles.

Rating Level 2.5

2.5

This player is learning to judge where the oncoming ball is going and how much swing is needed to return it consistently.

Movement to the ball and recovery are often not efficient.

This player can sustain a backcourt rally of slow pace with other players of similar ability and is beginning to develop strokes.

This player is becoming more familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles, and is ready to play social matches, leagues, and low-level tournaments

Potential limitations:

grip weaknesses
limited swing
inconsistent toss on serve
limited transitions to the net.

Rating Level 3.0

3.0

This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks accuracy when trying for directional control, depth, pace or altering distance of shots. Most common doubles formation is one up, one back.

Potential limitations:

inconsistency when applying or handling pace;
difficulty handling shots outside of their strike zone
can be uncomfortable at the net.

Rating Level 3.5

3.5

This player has achieved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth, variety, and the ability to alter distance of shots. The effective use of lobs, Overheads, approach shots, and volleys is limited. This player is more comfortable at the net, has improved court awareness, and is developing teamwork in doubles.

Potential strengths – Players at this level:

Can generally rally from the baseline opposite a net player.
May start to utilize mental skills related to concentration, tactics and strategy.

Rating Level 4.0

4.0

This player has dependable strokes with directional control and the ability to alter depth of shots on both forehand and backhand sides during moderately paced play. This player also has the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with success. This player occasionally forces errors when serving. Points may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.

Potential strengths:

Dependable second serve
Recognizes opportunities to finish points

Rating Level 4.5

4.5

This player can vary the use of pace and spins, has effective court coverage, can control depth of shots, and is able to develop game plans according to strengths and weaknesses. This player can hit the first serve with power and accuracy and can place the second serve. This player tends to Overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

Potential strengths:

Points are frequently won off the serve or return of serve
Able to offset weaknesses
May have a weapon around which their game can be built

Rating Level 5.0

5.0

This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which his or her game can be structured. This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and puts away volleys. He or she can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overheads, and has good depth and spin on most second serves.

Potential strengths:

Covers and disguises weaknesses well
Can hit offensive volleys and half-volleys from mid-court
Can employ physical or mental fitness as a weapon

Rating Level 5.5

5.5

This player has developed pace and/or consistency as a major weapon. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive situations and hit dependable shots in stress situations.

Strengths: