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NTRP USTA Rating System
The NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program), developed by the USTA, groups players by skill level to keep matches competitive, fair, and fun. Ratings range from 1.0–7.0 in 0.5 increments, and most players begin by self-rating.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Improvement happens quickly — If you’re playing, training, and competing regularly, your level may change faster than expected.
- When you’re between levels — Start lower. It’s easier to move up than spend an event overmatched.
- Doubles requires more than groundstrokes — Looking good from the baseline doesn’t automatically make you a strong doubles player. Net play matters.
Choose the level that feels accurate—not aspirational. Better self-rating leads to better matches, better competition, and fewer “I may have signed up for the wrong division” moments.
Player Level Cheat Sheet
| NTRP | GLTA | General Play | Your Serve | Groundstrokes | Net Game / Doubles | Videos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.0–1.5 |
-- |
Brand new to tennis and learning the basics |
Getting the ball in play is the goal |
Limited control and consistency |
Still learning positioning, movement, and scoring |
|
|
2.0 |
D |
Beginning to sustain rallies and understand match play |
Inconsistent toss and placement |
Can rally slowly on easy balls |
Limited volley control and court awareness |
|
|
2.5 |
D |
Learning court positioning and completing points consistently enough for beginner-level leagues and tournaments |
Soft but improving serve with limited direction |
Can sustain short rallies at slow-to-moderate pace |
Basic volleys, hesitant at net, limited doubles instincts |
|
|
3.0 |
C |
Can compete in lower-intermediate leagues and tournaments, but remains inconsistent when handling pace, pressure, and difficult shots |
First serve is inconsistent when attempting pace or placement; second serve is mostly safe |
Fairly consistent on medium-paced shots and beginning to develop topspin and slice, but struggles with depth, pace, and directional control under pressure |
Can volley when set, but uncomfortable at net with limited finishing ability |
|
|
3.5 |
C/B |
Reliable recreational player with improving strategy, movement, and court awareness |
More consistent pace and placement; beginning to direct second serves |
Dependable strokes with improving depth, topspin, and directional control, but inconsistent under pressure |
Comfortable at net with basic volley control and understands doubles positioning, but finishing ability is still developing |
|
|
4.0 |
B/A |
Strong all-around player with dependable strokes, point construction, and effective use of lobs, overheads, and approach shots |
Dependable first and second serve with moderate pace that can force weak returns |
Dependable strokes with directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides during moderately paced play |
Active and confident at net with reliable volleys, poaching instincts, and consistent finishing ability |
|
|
4.5 |
A |
Advanced player with strong footwork, effective transition play, and the ability to adjust strategy based on opponents and match situations |
Can hit first serves with power and accuracy while placing second serves effectively |
Uses pace, spin, depth, and variety effectively under pressure |
Aggressive net play, poaching, anticipation, and finishing ability are common in doubles |
|
|
5.0 |
Open |
High-level competitive player with strong anticipation, advanced shot selection, and the ability to execute specialty shots consistently |
Uses serve strategically with strong placement, spin, and depth to create offensive opportunities |
Can vary pace, spin, style, and strategy effectively under pressure |
Confident finishing volleys, advanced doubles instincts, and strong court awareness |
|
|
5.5 |
Open |
Elite player with major weapons, advanced consistency, and dependable execution under pressure |
Serve is a major weapon even under stress |
Can vary strategy, pace, spin, and style effectively in competition |
High-level net anticipation, execution, and transition play |
|
|
6.0–7.0 |
-- | National, or world-class level play |
Elite-level serving ability |
Professional-level consistency, pace, and control |
Elite doubles and singles capability |
|