General Characteristics of Various NTRP Playing Levels (Wheelchair players please see note below) 1.0 This player is just starting to play tennis. 1.5 This player has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play. 2.0 Forehand: Incomplete swing; lacks directional intent Backhand: Avoids backhands; erratic contact; grip problems; incomplete swing Serve/Return of Serve: Incomplete service motion; double faults common; toss is inconsistent; return of serve erratic Volley: Reluctant to play net; avoids backhand; lacks footwork Playing Style: Familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play; frequently out of position 2.5 Forehand: Form developing; prepared for moderately paced shots Backhand: Grip and preparation problems; often chooses to hit forehand instead of backhand Serve/Return of Serve: Attempting a full swing; can get the ball in play at slow pace; inconsistent toss; can return slow-paced serve Volley: Uncomfortable at net especially on the backhand side; frequently uses forehand racquet face on backhand volleys Special Shots: Can lob intentionally but with little control; can make contact on overheads Playing Style: Can sustain a short rally of slow pace; modest consistency; weak court coverage; usually remains in the initial doubles position 3.0 Forehand: Fairly consistent with some directional intent; lacks depth control Backhand: Frequently prepared; starting to hit with fair consistency on moderate shots Serve/Return of Serve Developing rhythm; little consistency when trying for power; second serve is often considerably slower than first serve; can return serve with fair consistency Volley: Consistent forehand volley; inconsistent backhand volley; has trouble with low and wide shots Special Shots: Can lob fairly consistently on moderate shots Playing Style: Fairly consistent on medium-paced shots; most common doubles formation is still one up, one back; approaches net when play dictates but weak in execution 3.5 Forehand: Improved consistency and variety on moderate shots with directional control; developing spin Backhand: Hits with directional control on moderate shots; has difficulty on high or hard shots; returns difficult shots defensively Serve/Return of Serve: Starting to serve with control and some power; developing spin; can return serve consistently with directional control on moderate shots Volley: More aggressive net play; some ability to cover side shots; uses proper footwork; can direct forehand volleys; controls backhand volley but with little offense; difficulty in putting volleys away Special Shots: Consistent overhead on shots within reach; developing approach shots, drop shots, and half volleys Playing Style: Improved consistency on moderate shots with directional control; improved court coverage; starting to look for the opportunity to come to the net; developing teamwork in doubles 4.0 Forehand: Good consistency; hits with depth and control on moderate shots; may try to hit too good a placement on a difficult shot Backhand: Directs the ball with consistency and depth on moderate shots; developing spin Serve/Return of Serve Places both first and second serves, often with power on first serve; uses spin; dependable return of serve; can return with depth in singles and mix returns in doubles Volley: Depth and control on forehand volley; can direct backhand volleys but usually lacks depth; developing wide and low volleys on both sides of the body Special Shots: Can put away easy overheads; can poach in doubles; follows aggressive shots to the net; beginning to finish point off; can hit to opponent's weaknesses; able to lob defensively on difficult shots and offensively on set ups Playing Style: Good consistency on ground strokes with directional control and depth demonstrated on moderate shots; not yet playing good percentage tennis; teamwork in doubles is evident; rallies may still be lost due to impatience 4.5 You have developed your use of power and spin and can handle pace. You have sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and attempt to vary game plan according to your opponents.  You can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve.  You tend to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles. 5.0 You have good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured.  You can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys.  You can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and have good depth and spin on most second serves. 5.5 You have mastered power and/or consistency as a major weapon. You can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation. 6.0 to 7.0 You have had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and have obtained a sectional and/or national ranking. 7.0 You are a world-class player. Players in Wheelchairs: Players in wheelchairs should use these general characteristics to determine their NTRP skill level.  The only differences are as follows:  Mobility: while players in wheelchairs may have skills that would normally provide them a certain rating, the mobility factor suggests that when competing against able-bodied players, they should participate at an NTRP skill level that provides for competitive rather than compatible play.  Serving ability:  Due to the nature of the player’s injury or disability, a powerful serve may not be possible.  In this case, it may be more realistic to self-rate below 4.0 as service strength becomes key beyond this level. Many tournament players in wheelchairs have already received an NTRP rating. Wheelchair players should check with players whose skills match their own before determining their rating.  The very best world-class players in wheelchairs have an NTRP rating in the low 4.5s. More about NTRP Self Ranking