What's my NTRP Tennis Rating?

The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is a classification system used by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to rate players' skill levels, ranging from 1.0 to 7.0. Each rating level corresponds to a specific skill set, allowing players to compete against others of similar ability. Here are the definitions of the different NTRP ratings:

NTRP Rating Levels

1.0 – 1.5: Beginner

• 1.0: This is the starting point for someone who is just beginning to play tennis.

• 1.5: Players have limited experience and are still working on getting the ball into play.

2.0 – 2.5: Beginner to Low Intermediate

• 2.0: Players are learning to judge where the ball is going but have difficulty with court coverage. They may be familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play.

• 2.5: Players are starting to make more consistent contact with the ball and are learning to sustain a short rally. They are developing stroke mechanics and court positioning.

3.0: Intermediate

• 3.0: Players have achieved improved stroke dependability with the ability to hit medium-paced shots. They can rally consistently with strokes that have some directional control. However, they may struggle with depth, power, or handling faster play.

3.5: Intermediate to High Intermediate

• 3.5: Players have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on moderate-paced shots. They can handle more extended rallies, use a variety of shots including lobs and volleys, and begin to understand and implement basic strategies. They may still be inconsistent with serving or handling pressure situations.

4.0: Advanced Intermediate

• 4.0: Players have developed more consistency with good directional and depth control on both forehand and backhand strokes. They can handle a variety of shots, including volleys, overheads, and serves. They are starting to play more aggressively and can vary pace and spin. They have a solid understanding of court positioning and shot placement.

4.5: Advanced

• 4.5: Players have a complete game with the ability to vary their shots in terms of pace, spin, and direction. They can execute offensive and defensive strategies and are comfortable at the net. They can hit serves with power and accuracy and are able to handle the pace of higher-level players. Their game includes consistency under pressure and the ability to anticipate and adjust to opponents' strategies.

5.0: Advanced to Expert

• 5.0: Players have strong shot anticipation, excellent footwork, and can consistently execute aggressive shots. They have a wide range of skills, including the ability to serve and volley, rally with depth, and control the pace and placement of the ball. Their game is characterized by tactical awareness, adaptability, and mental toughness. They can compete at high levels of amateur or semi-professional play.

5.5: Expert

• 5.5: Players have developed their game to the point where they can execute a variety of advanced strategies and tactics consistently. They have a very strong all-around game, with the ability to dictate play through precise shot-making, consistent serving, and strong net play. They often compete in high-level amateur or regional tournaments and have significant experience.

6.0 – 7.0: Professional to World-Class

• 6.0: Players are typically top-level competitors who may have had extensive success in national or international tournaments. They possess exceptional shot-making ability, consistency, and mental toughness. They might be aspiring professional players or former professionals.

• 7.0: Players at this level are world-class competitors, often touring professionals. They are capable of competing in the top professional tournaments (ATP, WTA) and have the skill, experience, and mental toughness to compete against the best in the world.

Summary

The NTRP system is designed to ensure fair and competitive play by matching players with others of similar skill levels. As players improve, they can move up the NTRP scale, facing increasingly challenging opponents and developing their skills further. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced competitor, the NTRP rating provides a clear pathway for growth in the sport of tennis.