I want to sign up for adult leagues and tournaments, but I’m not sure what level to play.

Get started with the NTRP self-rating system.

What is NTRP?

Developed in 1978, the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is a classification system that identifies and describes general characteristics of tennis-playing ability. The NTRP General Characteristics Guide outlines the abilities of each level from 1.5 (beginner) through 7.0 (touring pro). Generally, the NCTA offers programs for the 2.5 through 5.0 levels.

Excellent Videos to Determine Level

Click to watch these videos for NTRP level-by-level informational videos for the recreational tennis player.

Download Guide

Designed simply as a guide, the rating categories may be adjusted depending on your competitive ability or as your skills change. Ultimately, your rating is based on your match results.  If you are unsure of your level, choose the higher level of play.

NTRP Self-Rating Guidelines

NCTA Self-Rating Table

DIVISION OPEN A B C
NAME OPEN ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE ROOKIE
NTRP RATING 5.0 AND ABOVE 4.0 TO 5.0 3.0 TO 4.0 2.0 TO 3.0
UTR RATING 9 AND ABOVE 6.5 TO 9.0 4.5 TO 6.5 UNDER 4.5
NCTA RANKING 900 AND ABOVE 650 TO 900 450 TO 650 UNDER 450
DESCRIPTION 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. 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. You are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, 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. You lack court experience and your strokes need developing. You are familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play.
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. 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. 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. 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.