Before registering for programs or joining a league, take a look at the rating guide below to help you find the program that’s right for you. Find the level that best describes your general level of play during a match.
| Level | GroundStrokes | Return Of Serve | Net Play | Serve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | I’m just starting to play tennis | |||
| 1.5 | I’ve been introduced to the game, but have difficulty playing due to my lack of consistent rallying and serving. | |||
| 2.0 | I can get to the ball, but lack control so my rallying is inconsistent. I often choose forehand instead of backhand. | I have inconsistent returns and tend to position myself to protect my weaknesses | In singles, I’m reluctant to come to the net. In doubles, I understand the basic positions and I am comfortable with forehand volleys (but avoid backhand volleys & overhead shots). | My toss is inconsistent and my service motion incomplete. Double faults common. |
| 2.5 | I can consistently rally 10 balls in a row over the net at moderate speed with an arced trajectory (especially forehand shots). | In singles, I can consistently return shots to the middle of the court. In doubles, I have difficulty returning cross-court to start the point. | I’m at ease at the net during practice, but still uncomfortable during a game. | I try a full service motion on my first service, but it is still inconsistent (< 50%). I use an incomplete motion to ensure a steady second serve. |
| 3.0 | I can consistently rally 10 balls in a row using forehands and backhands. I’m able to maintain a moderately paced rally when receiving high, wide or short balls. | I can control the direction of the ball when receiving moderately paced serves. | I’m very consistent on moderately paced balls to my forehand, but still inconsistent on my backhand. I have overall difficulty with low and wide balls. | I have full motion on both serves and can achieve more than 50% success on my first serve; however, my second serve is much slower than the first. |
| 3.5 | I can make my opponent move around the court, hit harder when I receive easier balls, and perform approach shots with more than 50% consistency. | I can return fast or well-placed serves defensively, return an easier serve with pace or placement, and approach the net in doubles. | I’m becoming consistent on volleys & overheads requiring moderate movement. I can direct forehand volleys and control backhand volleys with little offense, but have general difficulty putting volleys away. | I can vary the speed or direction of a first serve and can direct the second serve to my opponent’s weakness without double-faulting on a regular basis. |
| 4.0 | I’m able to develop points consistently by using a combination of shots; however, I’m erratic when attempting a passing shot or a quality shot from a fast or well-placed ball. | I have difficulty returning very fast or spin serves, but I can hit a good shot or exploit my opponent’s weakness on moderately paced serves. In doubles, I can vary returns effectively on moderately paced serves. | I can follow an approach shot to net, poach on weak returns and put away easy overheads. In doubles, I can receive a variety of balls and volley offensively. | I can vary the speed and direction of the first serve and I can use spin. |
| 4.5 | I can use a variety of spins and am beginning to develop a dominant shot or good steadiness. I’m still erratic when attempting a quality shot in two of the following: when receiving fast balls, wide balls or in passing shot situations. | I can defend consistently off first serves, but am still inconsistent when trying an aggressive return (< 30%). In doubles, I have difficulty returning a first serve to the feet of the incoming serve and volleyer. | When coming to the net after serving, I’m consistently able to put the first volley in play but without pace or depth. Close to the net, I can finish a point using various options including drop, angle and punch volleys. I’m still inconsistent when trying to volley powerful or angled returns. | I have an aggressive first serve with power and spin. On second serves, I frequently hit with good depth and placement (without double faults). In doubles, I can serve and volley off first serves but still experience some inconsistency. |
| 5.0 | I am able to maintain a consistent rally, 10 balls in a row on faster balls. I have ery steady strokes or a dominant shot. I periodically succeed (50%) when attempting a quality shot when receiving fast or wide balls, and in passing shot situations. | I periodically succeed (50%) at aggressive return off fast first serves using dominant shot (forehand or backhand). In doubles I can return at the feet of serve and volleyer. | In doubles, after the serve, I have a good, deep crosscourt volley. Overhead I can hit from almost any position. | My first serve can win points outright, or force a weak return. My second serve can prevent the opponent from attacking. I can serve and volleys on first serves in doubles with consistency. |
