Decatur USTA Tennis

NTRP

NTRP Information

The National Tennis Rating Program(NTRP) is used by most of the USTA programs to provide competitive leagues. The leagues are formed based on the NTRP levels. Any player with a valid NTRP rating can play in a league based on that level or they can also play up at higher levels. The player cannot play in a league having a lower level. In order to play in the USA League Tennis Adult, Senior and Super Senior programs, a valid current NTRP verification or computer rating is required. For some of the other local leagues such as Combo Doubles, only a self-rating may be required. An NTRP verification rating must first be obtained prior to playing in any of the leagues that require the rating. These verification rating sessions are scheduled locally once a year (approximately 5-6 weeks prior to the beginning of the Spring Adult Leagues). They are also scheduled at different times elsewhere throughout the state and the rest of the country. An NTRP verification rating is accepted anywhere in the country regardless of where it was made. During the verification session, each individual completes a questionaire to identify previous tennis activity and also allows for a self-rating based on the list below. Once this has been completed, a certified verifier watches the applicants on-court for a few minutes to confirm their rating. The verifier has the ability to increase the self-rating if warranted. The verification rating is valid for 12 months after the verification session or until the player has obtained a computer rating. In order to obtain a computer rating, a player must play in a minimum of two matches during the local league. In addition, the player must be compared through a computer process against players that represent their league at the District Championships. Once a computer rating is obtained, the player need not be reverified as long as they play the minimum two matches each year (again they must be compared to the local players representing them at Districts). The computer rating is valid for up to two years before expiration. That means that as long as a player plays the minimum matches every other year, their computer rating is still valid. If the player does not meet the requirements for two consecutive years, they must reverified.

For additional insite into the NTRP ratings read the NTRP Guide.

Current Ratings

NTRP ratings for everyone are available at TennisLink.

NTRP Ratings
1.0	This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5	This player has limited experience and is still primarily working on getting the ball into play.
2.0	This player needs on-court experience. This player has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.
2.5	This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. This player can sustain a rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
3.0	This player is consistent when hitting medium paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks control when trying for directional intent, depth, or power.
3.5	This player has achieved improved stroke depth and direction on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0	This player has dependable strokes, including directional intent and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, or approach shots and volleys with some success. This player occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident.
4.5	This player has begun to master the use of power spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary tactics according to opponents. This player can hit serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve and is able to rush the net successfully. Aggressive play is common in doubles.
5.0	This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes and has good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.5	This player has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hits dependable shots in a stress situation.
6.0	These players will generally not need NTRP ratings. Rankings or past rankings will speak for themselves. The 6.0 player typically has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior level and collegiate levels and has obtained a Sectional and/or National ranking.
6.5	The 6.5 player has a reasonable chance of succeeding at the 7.0 level and has extensive satellite tournament experience.
7.0	A world class player who is committed to tournament competition on the international level and whose major source of income is tournament prize winnings.

Guidelines for self rating
A.	Begin with 1.0. Read all categories carefully and then decide which one best describes your present ability level.
B.	Be certain that you qualify on all points of all preceding categories as well as those in the classification you choose.
C.	When rating yourself assume you are playing against a player of the same gender and the same ability.
D.	Your self-rating may be confirmed by a qualified verifier. For participation in the USTA League Tennis Program your self-rating must be confirmed by a USTA sectionally approved verifier.
E.	The person in charge of your tennis program has the right to reclassify you if your self-placement is thought to be inappropriate based upon match results.