RATING CATEGORIES

 

Rating	Ground Strokes	Return of Serve	Net Play	Serve
1.0	This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5	This player has been introduced to the game, however has difficulty playing due to lack of consistency rallying and serving.
2.0	Can get to the ball but lacks control, resulting in inconsistent rallies. Often chooses to hit forehands instead of backhands.	Tends to position to protect weakness. Inconsistent returns.	In singles, reluctant to come to net. In doubles, understands basic positioning; comfortable only with the forehand volley; avoids backhand volley & overhead.	Incomplete service motion. Toss is inconsistent. Double faults are common.
2.5	Can rally consistently 10 balls in a row, over the net at moderate speed, with an arched trajectory, especially on the forehand.	In singles, consistent when returning to the middle of the court. In doubles, difficulty starting the point with a crosscourt return.	Becoming at ease at net in practice but uncomfortable in a game situation.	Attempting a full service motion on first serve. Still inconsistent (less than 50%). Uses incomplete motion to ensure consistent second serve.
3.0	Can rally 10 balls in a row consistently using forehands and backhands. Able to maintain a moderate paced rally when receiving high, short, or wide balls.	Can control the direction of the ball when receiving moderate paced serves.	Very consistent on moderate paced balls to forehand volley. Inconsistent on backhand. Overall difficulty with low and wide balls. Can smash easy lobs.	Full motion on both serves. Able to achieve more than 50% success on first serve. Second serve much slower than first.
3.5	Able to move the opponent around the court or hit harder when receiving easier balls. Can perform approach shots with over 50% consistency.	Can return fast or well placed serves defensively. Can return an easier serve with pace or placement. Can approach the net in doubles.	Becoming consistent on volleys and overheads requiring moderate movement. Can direct forehand volley. General difficulty putting volleys away.	Can vary speed or direction of first serve. Can direct second serve to opponent's weakness without double-faulting regularly.
4.0	Able to develop points consistently by using a combination of shots. Erratic when attempting a quality shot from a fast or well placed ball or when attempting a passing shot.	Has difficulty returning very fast or spin serves. Can hit a good shot or exploit an opponent's weakness on moderate paced serves.	Can follow an approach shot to net. In doubles can receive a variety of balls and volley offensively. Can poach on weak returns and put away easy overheads.	Can vary the speed and direction of the first serve. Can use spin.
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, is beginning to vary tactics according to opponents, 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 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	This player will generally not need 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.