1.0
This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5
This player has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting
the ball into play.
2.0
This player needs on-court experience. This player has obvious stroke
weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.
2.5
This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although coverage
is weak. This player can sustain a rally of slow pace with other players
of the same ability.
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, depth, or power.
3.5
This player has achieved improved stroke dependability and direction on
moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player is
starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage,
and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0
This player has dependable stroke, including directional intent and depth on
both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use
lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with success. This player
occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident.
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 and is able
to rush net successfully.
5.0
This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding
shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured.
This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off 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.
5.5
This player has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon.
This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation
and hits dependable shots in a stress situation.
6.0 to 7.0
This player will generally not need NTRP ratings. Ranking or past
rankings will speak for themselves. The 6.0 player typically has had
intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior level
and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional and/or national
ranking. The 6.5 player has a reasonable chance of succeeding at the
7.0 level and has extensive satellite tournament experience. The 7.0
is a world class player who is committed to tournament competition on the
international level and whose major source of income is tournament prize
winnings.
