How can I determine my level of play?

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Permalink Reply by Coach Dudley on June 12, 2011 at 3:50pm

Before NTRP, levels of play was grouped by ability, Open, A, B, C and D. Anyone out there remember those days? If I recall correctly, NTRP started in the late 70's or early 80's by the USTA, USPTA and IRSA as a simplified rating system to classify and group players more closely for league play and tournaments. Until self-rating was allowed, players would have to attend an NTRP rating session at a local club, pay a $15 fee, fill out a form with your tennis history, tournament records, training or classes and have a qualified instructor observe your play with other players. Do a web-search for NTRP, you will find ratings from 1.0 (beginner) to 7.0 (world class pro) and their general characteristics. Hope this helps, Dudley

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Permalink Reply by Lendl Jr. (4.5) on June 14, 2011 at 7:28am

I had never heard of any NTRP system until the early 90's.  In the 80's you entered the draw based on age and not skill level.  You could end up in the first round against a 5.5 player or a 1.0, thats what made it very interesting

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Permalink Reply by blackrino on June 12, 2011 at 8:08pm

could not help but jump right in on this.hey! 3.5 in USTA competition these are the things i found to be common.

no second serve!, no backhand! ,do not attack! ,very little use of topspin. that don't mean if you have began to develop these things you are going to win,caution and disciple wins more games at this levels. winning and losing in competion is the best measure of your rating. defeating yourself is your greatest victory. pick a rating based on what you can do not all these elutions of winning the grand slam. but what you can do right now with your ability and your knowledge of the game. than go to tennis.com research the subject you think you do well. its humbling, you want have trouble rating yourself its better than any quick fix you will ever do!

 

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Permalink Reply by CoachV - William Vazquez on June 12, 2011 at 9:04pm

simple. who can you beat?

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Permalink Reply by Coach Dudley on June 13, 2011 at 12:33am

Blackrino and Coach V have some good advice. Unless you play against rated players, just go and self-rate. I will send you rating guide to read and match what characteristics you meet.

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Permalink Reply by Coach Dudley on June 13, 2011 at 12:35am

NTRP

1.5
You have limited experience and are working primarily on getting the ball in play.

2.0
You lack court experience and your strokes need developing.  You are familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play.

2.5
You are learning to judge where the ball is going, although your court coverage is limited.  You can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

3.0
You are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes and lack execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Your most common doubles formation is one-up, one-back.

3.5
You have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but need to develop depth and variety. You exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage and are developing teamwork in doubles.

4.0
You have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate-paced shots.  You can use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success and occasionally force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.

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.

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Permalink Reply by Mark / The Mayor on June 13, 2011 at 8:06am

For future reference:  http://tennisopolis.com/news/ntrp-ratings-guide

There are some interesting and misc resources like this if you scroll over the Main page tab.  :-)

 

But back the question, Coach V has a great point.  Play a couple people and compare yourself to them.

M

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