The NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) helps to assess level of tennis players and leagues
See official description
The player is just beginning to play tennis
The player has little experience in hitting balls and is still working on keeping the ball in play regardless of its speed. Serves are challenging
The player can sustain slow-paced rallies, but lacks experience. They have difficulty hitting the ball at the optimal spot on the racket and need more practice. They are not yet familiar with the basic positions on the court
The player is learning to assess where to hit the ball on the court when receiving it, though movement on the court still needs work. They can sustain slow exchanges and are beginning to cover the entire court. Ready to compete in matches and basic tournaments.
Weaknesses: grip, lack of a full swing on serve, inconsistent ball toss for serving, limited net play
The player sustains medium-paced play, but does not feel confident with all strokes. Controlling the direction, speed, and depth of shots is challenging.
Weaknesses: lack of consistency with faster balls, difficulty handling balls from outside their optimal striking zone, feeling unsure at the net
The player has improved consistency and control over the direction of mid-paced shots, but lacks variety in their strokes. Effective use of lobs, overheads, net play, and volleys is limited due to a lack of confidence. They play more confidently at the net and have improved court coverage.
Weaknesses and strengths: this is a level where the player's skills can be showcased during play rather than just their weaknesses. At this level, the player leverages focus, tactics, and game strategy
The player demonstrates reliable strokes including control over direction, depth, and the ability to vary shot distance with both forehand and backhand during mid-paced play. They successfully use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys. The player rarely makes serving errors. Rallies may be lost due to a lack of focus.
Strengths: reliable second serve, uses their strengths to win points
The player begins to intentionally change the pace and spin of the balls, moves well around the court, and can control the distance and depth of shots, starting to plan their game based on strengths and weaknesses. The first serve is strong and accurate, and they rarely make mistakes on the second serve. With difficult balls, there is a tendency to hit them long.
Strengths: increasingly decisive service, able to better compensate for weaknesses. They are developing the strengths on which they base their game
The player has good anticipation of the opponent's shots, often delivering excellent strokes or leveraging a particular strength in their game. They are confident in regularly hitting winning shots or forcing errors with drop shots, volleys, lobs, half-volleys, and overheads. They have good depth and spin on the second serve.
Strengths: strong decision-making, effectively defends and conceals weaknesses, mentally strong, though still struggles in difficult situations
The player has developed consistency and power in their strokes as a primary weapon. They can change strategy and style in challenging situations and have reliable shots under pressure.
Strengths: capable of offensive play in any situation, adapts strategy and style in tough circumstances. Both first and second serves are reliable even under pressure
A level 6.0 player usually trains at the national level and holds a national ranking.
A level 6.5 and 7.0 player is world-renowned.