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THE
NATIONAL TENNIS RATING PROGRAM
1.0
This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5
This player has limited playing experience and is still working primarily
on getting the ball over the net; has some knowledge of scoring but is not
familiar with basic positions and procedures for singles and doubles play.
2.0
This player may have had some lessons but needs on-court experience; has
obvious stroke weaknesses but is beginning to feel comfortable with singles and
doubles play.
2.5
This player has more dependable
strokes and is learning to judge where the ball is going; has weak court
coverage or is often caught out of position, but is starting to keep the ball
in play with other players of the same ability.
3.0
This player can place shots with moderate success; can sustain a rally of
slow pace but is not comfortable with all strokes; lacks control when trying
for power.
3.5
This player has achieved stroke dependability and direction on shots
within reach, including forehand and backhand volleys, but still lacks depth and
variety; seldom double faults and occasionally forces errors on the serve.
4.0
This player has dependable strokes on both forehand and backhand sides;
has the ability to use a variety of shots including lobs, overheads, approach
shots, and volleys; can place the first serve and force some errors; is seldom
out of position in a doubles game.
4.5
This player has begun to master the use of power and spins; has sound
footwork; can control depth of shots and is able to move opponent up and back;
can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve; is able
to rush net with some success on serve in singles as well as doubles.
5.0
This player has good shot anticipation; frequently has an outstanding
shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured; can
regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls; can successfully
execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, and overhead smashes; has good depth and
spin on most second serves.
5.5
This player can execute all strokes offensively and defensively; can hit
dependable shots under pressure; is able to analyze opponents' styles and can
employ patterns of play to assure the greatest possibility of winning points;
can hit winners or force errors with both first and second serves. Return of
serve can be an offensive weapon.
6.0
This player has mastered all the above skills; has developed power and/or
consistency as a major weapon; and can vary strategies and styles of play in a
competitive situation. This player typically has had intensive training for
national competition at junior or collegiate levels.
6.5
This player has mastered all of the above skills and is an experienced
tournament competitor who regularly travels for competition and whose income may
be partially derived from prize winnings.