De-mystifying your level

Has anyone asked you what level you have as a player? Don’t know if you are a 1.5, 3.5, or a 7.0 player? Don’t worry we have the answer for you today. We will be explaining the NTRP levels which stand for the National Tennis Rating Program below to help you figure out what your level is when deciding how to choose which tournaments or rallies are for you! De-mystifying your level

Beginner level (1.5 - 2.5)

1.5 Player

You have very limited experience and are working primarily on getting the ball in play. You are still in the beginner stage of the game and need more guided practices in order to improve as a player.

2.0 Player

You have very little court experience and your stroked are still under development. You are familiar with the basic positionings in singles and doubles play.

2.5 Player

You are still learning how to judge where the ball is going, although your court sense is limited. You are able to sustain short rallies of slow-paced balls with other players who have similar abilities.

Intermediate Level (3.0 - 3.5)

3.0 Player

You are fairly consistent when contacting the ball with medium-paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes and can still lack executing them. You might have difficulties in the directional control, depth, or power of the ball, and the most common double formation you will practice at that level is the one-up, one-back.

3.5 Player

You have achieved improved stroke dependability with strong directional control along with moderate shot selection, but there needs to be an improvement in your depth. You exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage, and are developing teamwork in doubles.

4.0 Player

You have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides. You can use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with some ease and occasional fore errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in double is evident.

Advanced level (4.5 - 7.0)

4.5 Player

You have developed your use of power and spin and can handle the pace. You have very sound footwork, can control the depth of shots, and attempt to vary game plan according to the situation of the match, You can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. You tend to overhit shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

5.0 Player

You have good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot or weapon 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 Player

You have mastered power and consistency as a major weapon in your game. You can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive environment and hit dependable shots in pressure situations.

6.0 - 7.0 Player

You have had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and have obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.

By: Ana G Canahuate - Break the Love Pro If you have any questions, feel free to post in our Clubhouse under "Ask a Pro"!