Dynamic NTRP Guidelines
The Dynamic National Tennis Rating Program (Dynamic NTRP) is the official system for determining the levels of competition for the USTA League Program.
PURPOSE
The primary goal of the program is to help all tennis players enjoy the game by providing a method of classifying skill levels for more compatible matches, group lessons, league play, tournaments and other programs.
GUIDELINES
The rating categories are generalizations about skill levels. You may find that you actually play above or below the category which best describes your skill level, depending on your competitive ability. The category you choose is not meant to be permanent, but may be adjusted as your skills change or as your match play demonstrates the need for reclassification. Ultimately your rating is based upon match results. Players must rate themselves in accordance with the Dynamic NTRP. When players are rating themselves and they question at which level they should play, they should place themselves in the higher level of play.
SELF-RATING GUIDELINES
• You must declare a Dynamic NTRP rating when you sign up for a team. If you do not already have a Dynamic NTRP rating, you will need to complete the online self-rating process.
• You will be asked a series of questions used to determine your rating. The questionnaire must be filled out completely as you will not be able to hit the “back” button. Once the form is completed, the player will be given a rating immediately.
• If the player does not agree with the rating, they can appeal it right away online. To appeal the rating, the player needs to click on the “APPEAL” button at the bottom of the page. The next screen will prompt the player to fill out the appeal form and state why they do not agree with the computer generated rating.
• If the player does submit an appeal, the computer registration system will not allow the player to register for the team until the player receives a response to the appeal. In this case, no fee will be charged since the player is not registered.
• After the player has received a response, they will need to go to the USTA web site at http://national.usta.com to begin the registration process again.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact your local USTA League Coordinator.
SELF-RATING GUIDELINES for FORMER and CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYERS
These Guidelines are based on high school tennis competition throughout the Pacific Northwest and should be considered when self-rating.
Self-Rate Guidelines for players age 30 and under with high school playing experience:
The Sectional Grievance Committee provides the following qualification guidelines to assist players 30 years and under who have/had high school playing experience but did not go on to play tennis in college and are self-rating for USTA League Tennis. This information is supplemental to the General & Experienced Player Guidelines chart found on TennisLink.
No Post-Season Play Recommended Minimum entry level: 3.0
Advanced to “First Tier” Post-Season Play* Recommended Minimum entry level: 3.0
Advanced to “Second Tier” Post-Season Play* Recommended Minimum entry level: 3.5
Advanced to State Championship Recommended Minimum entry level: 3.5
Finished in Top 8 in a State Championship Recommended Minimum entry level: 4.0
Finished in Top 4 in a State Championship Recommended Minimum entry level: 4.5
Finished in Top 2 in a State Championship Recommended Minimum entry level: 5.0
*First Tier *Second Tier
Oregon District (None)
Western Washington All-Comers, KingCo, Metro District
Eastern Washington District Regionals
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS PLAYING LEVELS
Please click here to view and print a detailed chart that will help you as you determine your appropriate Dynamic NTRP level.
1.5
This player has limited experience and is still working primarily 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. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
3.0
This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium paced shorts, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up, one-back.
3.5
This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control 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 control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. This player occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.
4.5
This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. This player tends to over hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net 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, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most 2nd 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 to 7.0
The 6.0 player typically has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking. The 7.0 is a world class player.