Rating System

Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 July 2009 06:14

Players wishing to participate in USA League Tennis can review the General Characteristics of NTRP Playing Levels below and then record their self-rating when they register for their team on TennisLink. For further explanation of how the program works, see Dynamic NTRP below.

General Characteristics of NTRP Playing Levels (Abbreviated)

2.0: This player needs on-court experience. 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 court coverage is weak. Player can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

3.0: This player is 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/one back.

3.5: This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing teamwork in doubles.

4.0: This player 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. This player occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. 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 game plan according to opponents. Player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Player tends to over hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

5.0: This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. 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, 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. Player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hits dependable shots in a stressful situation.

Dynamic NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program)

Under Dynamic NTRP a computer rating remains valid for five years. Players who elect to "sit out" during this period must re-enter the league at the level of their most recent year-end rating. Only after a full five-year absence can a player re-enter the program by self-rating.

To use the table: find the current "Championship Year" in the left hand column. If you have a valid NTRP Computer Rating for any of the years checked in that row, then you must use the latest rating for USA League play. Otherwise, you may self-rate into USA LEague play.

The following waiver was granted by the USA League Tennis Committee regarding the required 5-year rating history:

"Waiver: All Sections will use the 2001 NTRP Computer Ratings as the starting point for league computer rating history for the 2003 league year. Each year thereafter the current NTRP rating will be added to the history until all sections have a 5-year history."

The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) classifies players in a certain skill level. The NTRP provides a simple, self-placement method to group individuals of similar ability for league play, tournaments, group lessons, social matches, and club or community programs. Ratings range from 1.0 (beginner) to 7.0 (world class professional). The general characteristics of each level are described above.