Wanna Know Your Tennis Skill Level?

For KCTC's mixed bag of players, most of us would like to have an idea of our skill level without going to a bootcamp or doing a fancy skill testing session to get the answer. Well, in North America (USA, Canada & Mexico) the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) system has replaced all other classification systems, including the A (expert), B (intermediate) and C (beginner) skill categories once used in local tennis tournaments, by using a scale from 1.0 to 7.0.

So use the following NTRP skill levels to tell others where you belong (If you're a 7.0, we could be a boring bunch to you!):

1.0 This player is just starting to play tennis.

1.5 Has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.

2.0 Needs on-court experience. Has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.

2.5 Learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

3.0 Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.

3.5 Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.

4.0 Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.

4.5 Starting to master the use of power and spins and beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

5.0 Has good shot anticipation and 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 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 Has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. Can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation.

6.0  Players generally do not need NTRP ratings. Rankings or past rankings will speak for themselves.

6.0 player has obtained a sectional and /or national ranking.

6.5 The 6.5 player has extensive satellite tournament experience.

7.0 The 7.0 player makes his living from tournament prize money.

Note: The International Tennis Federation uses a skill rating system where the most skilled players (the pros) are classed at level 1, and the least skilled, at level 10.

Reference: Vancouver Public Tennis Advocacy Website.