NTRP Rating System

The NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) was established in 1978, it is designed to achieve better competition, and provide on-court compatibility.

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
This player:
is starting to play on a regular basis, at least twice a month
is starting to develop and favoring a more dependable side
is starting to realize his strike zone
is starting to think about hitting the ball harder, but rarely does so

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, dept, or power.

This player:
has found his strike zone
will hit most balls back that are in the strike zone, standing still
is starting to compete
is starting to compare his or her game with others
will push a high percentage of 1st serve in play with little power
plays at least once a week

3.5

This player has achieved improved stroke dependability and direction on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.

This player:
is maneuvering the body/racquet to hit the ball in his/her strike zone
is starting to go for more, takes more chances
is starting to develop pace and spin
plays at least twice a week
will be consistent against others in the same level or slightly higher

4.0

This player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to hit lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. This player occasionally forces errors when serving
and teamwork in doubles is evident.

This player:
is less worried about getting the ball in play
attempts to hit all the required shots
has shots that he/she will get in almost every time
covers the court well
attempts to cover his weaknesses
can not generate power or spin outside the strike zone or on the run

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. This player tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

This player:
does not self destruct against others of the same level
can compete with higher level players and may even win
knows his strike zone
has one or two good shots that are very reliable
moves well and gets a lot of balls back

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 of short balls and 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.

This player:
is always looking to hit his/her favorite shots
has the potential to go in the zone for a little while
can return any shot that's hit close by
can retrieve almost all hard shots that are anticipated
can hit winners off short balls and balls that are in the strike zone