RATING DESCRIPTIONS - REQUIRED FOR EVERY PLAYER
1.0 - Player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5 - Player has limited experience and is working primarily on getting the ball in play. Player is learning to serve and keep score.
2.0 - Player lacks court experience and their strokes need developing. Player is familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play. Player can keep score unassisted, call own lines, serve overhand from the baseline and understands the basic rules.
2.5 - Player is learning to judge where the ball is going, although their court coverage is limited. Player can sustain a short rally of slow pace with others of the same ability. Player can keep score unassisted, call own lines, serve overhand from the baseline and understands the basic rules.
3.0 - Player is fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Player is improving court coverage and can sustain a rally and serve with consistency. On ground strokes, player needs to improve control on height, depth, direction, and speed.
3.5 - Player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but needs to develop depth and variety. They exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage, and are developing teamwork in doubles. 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.
4.0 - Player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate-paced shots. Player can use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with some success and occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident. Player can develop a game plan.
4.5 - Player has developed use of power and spin and can handle pace. Player has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and attempts to vary their game plan according to their opponents. Player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. They tend to over hit on difficult shots. Player is developing an offensive weapon. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
5.0 - Player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. They can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys. Player can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most second serves. Player is match-wise and uses shots that have a high percentage of success in both singles and doubles.