Tennis Ratings
General Characteristics of Various Playing Levels
(Wheelchair players please see note below)
From October 2004, The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is introducing an international system of rating. Click here for details.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) are responsible for the system in the UK and the rating system was changed from that used in 2003.
The new 2004 system is shown alongside the 2003 system)
2004 Rating |
2003 Rating |
Level of play |
8.0 |
11 |
You have limited experience and are working primarily on getting the ball
in play. |
7.1 - 7.3 |
9.2 - 10.2 |
You lack court experience and your strokes need developing. You are
familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play. |
6.2 - 6.3 |
8.2 - 9.1 |
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. |
5.2 - 6.1 |
7.2 - 8.1 |
You are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shorts, 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. |
4.2 - 5.1 |
6.2 - 7.1 |
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. |
3.2 - 4.1 |
5.2 - 6.1 |
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. |
3.1 |
5.1 |
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. |
2.2 - 2.3 |
4.1 - 4..2 |
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. |
2.1 |
3.2 |
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. |
1.4 - 1.5 |
2.2 - 3.1 |
You have had intensive training for national tournament competition at the
junior and collegiate levels and have obtained a sectional and/or national
ranking. |
1.1 - 1.3 |
1.1- 2.1 |
You are a world-class player. |
Players in Wheelchairs |
|
Players in wheelchairs should use these general skill levels to determine
their rating. 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 a 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 3.1 as service strength becomes key
beyond this level.
Many tournament players in wheelchairs have already received an LTA
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 a rating in the low 4.2's. |