General Characteristics of Various Playing Levels
1.0 Player is just starting to play tennis and is learning the basic
skills of serving, forehands, backhands, and volleys.
1.5 Player is only slightly more advanced than a 1.0 player. Player needs to
coordinate moving when hitting the ball. In fact, player is still concentrating on getting
the ball over the net from a stationary position. Player is learning to serve and keep
score.
2.0 Player is now beginning to coordinate footwork when contacting the ball but
is not consistent in hitting the ball over the net. Player can serve to some degree but
double faults frequently. Player understands scoring as well as correct positions for
serving and receiving. Player has limited success with volley but has knowledge of court
positioning in both singles and doubles.
2.5 Player is able to judge where the ball is going. Player can sustain a slow
paced rally of several shots with someone of the some ability using both forehand and
backhand sides and can volley with moderate success. Player can keep score unassisted, can
call own lines, can serve overhand from the baseline and has an understanding of the basic
rules.
3.0 Player is getting better at moving to the ball and is improving court
coverage, can sustain a rally with consistency on slow to moderate-paced shots. Player
serves with fair consistency with few double faults. On groundstrokes, player needs to
improve control of height, depth, direction and speed. Player attempts to move opponent
from side to side and hit to the opponent's weakness.
3.5 Player can sustain a rally and is beginning to develop directional control
and depth of groundstrokes. Player is starting to recognize opportunities to attack short
balls by coming to the net. Player is developing more spin and power on the serve and
seldom double faults. Player is becoming more aggressive and applying basic strategy in
singles and using teamwork in doubles.
4.0 Player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on
higher-paced shots and has good court coverage. Player has added variety in shot selection
by using lobs, overheads, volleys and approach shots with some success. Player is
developing a game plan, is serving with good consistency and is now forcing some errors
with power and/or spin. Player demonstrates good teamwork in doubles.
4.5 Player has a very dependable game and executes most shots consistently on
higher-paced shots. Player's court coverage and footwork are sound and has begun to muster
the use of power and spins. Player can vary depth of shots and game plan according to
opponents. Player's first serve may produce some winners and second serves are hit with
good spin and placement. Player can be aggressive in both singles and doubles and covers
weaknesses well. Player is developing an offensive weapon.
5.0 Player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or
weapon around which a game may be structured. Player can regularly hit winners or force
errors on short balls and is capable of all shots. Player's first serve is an offensive
weapon and often allows rushing the net after the first or second serve. Volleys and
overhead smashes are typically winning shots. Player is matchwise and uses shots that have
a high percentage of success in both singles and doubles.