In the United States, amateur tennis players follow the USTA’s NTRP rating system, which provides clear guidelines for all skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced and even pro. The system was developed to ensure that players are evenly matched and competing against others of the same skill level. The NTRP rating system is used for all USTA leagues, tournaments and activities; it also has been accepted as the official ranking system throughout the country for non-USTA tennis events.
Step 1
Think about how long you have been playing tennis. Although length of time does not determine a particular level, if you have been playing awhile you most likely are not ranked as a 1.0 or 1.5, which is the rating for a beginner just learning how to hit the ball.
Step 2
Consider if you are able to hit the ball over the net and engage in a short rally, but not necessarily control the direction of your shots and still have trouble getting to the ball in time; if so, you would be ranked a 2.0 or 2.5.
Step 3
Determine if you are able to consistently participate in a rally but your execution of points still needs work, in which case you would be a 3.0. If you are starting to be able to set up points but lack depth and variety, you are most likely ranked at 3.5.
Step 4
Evaluate if you have confidence in your strokes, direction, control and depth of the ball, and if your repertoire of shots is starting to include lobs, overheads and net play; if so, your level would be 4.0.
Step 5
Consider if you are able to confidently get points off of your first serve and place your second serve with accuracy. If you also are hitting with power and spin, and able to dictate pace, your level is 4.5.
Step 6
Determine if your game includes a variety of strategies, power, precision and consistency, which would place you in the 5.0 to 5.5 skill level.
Step 7
Consider if you are nationally ranked and capable of competing in national or international tournaments, which would place you at a level of 6.0. NCAA players also fall into this level, so if you have played for a college team you would be a 6.0 or above.
Step 8
Consider if you are a player on the men or women’s pro tour, which means that your skill level is 6.5 or higher.
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