1.0 – True Beginner
Brand new to tennis, still learning how to hold the racquet, move on court, and keep score. Rallies are 1–2 shots at most, serves rarely land in, and volleys feel foreign. Focus is simply on making contact and getting the ball over the net.
1.5 – Advanced Beginner
Can sometimes rally slowly with easy feeds but struggles with timing, bounce, and recovery. Serves are pushed in with frequent double faults, returns are late and defensive, and net play is tentative. Matches hinge on who can keep the ball in play longer.
2.0 – Early Development
Starting to develop a consistent forehand and can rally 3–4 balls at a slow pace, though the backhand is erratic. Serves go in more often but lack depth and spin, and returns break down against pace. Basic footwork patterns are emerging, but point play is mostly about consistency.
2.5 – Emerging Player
Able to rally 4–6 balls at a medium-slow pace and float a steadier backhand when set. Basic topspin and intentional crosscourt hitting appear. Serves are more reliable, though second serves sit up. Returns and volleys are serviceable, and basic tactics are forming, though execution under pressure is inconsistent.
3.0 – Consistent Recreational Player
Can rally 6–8 balls with dependable forehands and backhands, generating light topspin and directing shots crosscourt with depth. Serves are consistent with some placement, returns neutralize most 3.0-level serves, and volleys/overheads are playable. Movement and tactics are improving, making this level competitive in 3.0 matches.
3.5 – Competitive Intermediate
You can rally consistently with moderate pace, adding purposeful spin and height for margin. Serves have better placement and a developing second serve with topspin or slice. Returns are more assertive, and net play is improving with reliable overheads. Footwork patterns hold up in most rallies, and you use basic tactics like attacking short balls or targeting backhands. You usually beat 3.0s and compete well with 4.0s.
4.0 – Advanced Intermediate
You control depth and direction on both sides, generating pace or spin on demand. Serves are stronger with pace or precise placement, and second serves carry real spin. Returns start you neutral or ahead in points, and you finish confidently at net. Court coverage and anticipation are solid, and you use patterns intentionally while adjusting mid-match. You beat 3.5s regularly and compete with strong 4.0s and some 4.5s.
4.5 – Advanced Player
You’re consistent at higher pace with spin or flatter drives, keeping depth under pressure. Serves are weapons with variety and spin, setting up +1 attacks. Returns are aggressive, net play is decisive, and movement is explosive with strong balance. You build points around strengths, disguise intentions, and adapt tactics effectively. You usually beat strong 4.0s, compete evenly with top 4.5s, and push 5.0s.
5.0 – High-Level Player
You produce pace, spin, and depth on demand with few errors at high tempo. Serves have variety and power, with a second serve heavy enough to challenge opponents. Returns pressure even strong servers, and net play is complete with reliable volleys. Movement is explosive and efficient, and you manage score pressure with strong patterns late in sets. You beat top 4.5s and compete with 5.5-level players.
5.5 – Open-Level Competitor
You dictate play regardless of style, with elite rally tolerance and subtle changes in pace, spin, or height. Serves are well-disguised, second serves kick or jam effectively, and returns create immediate pressure. Transition and net play work against pace, and footwork is pro-caliber. You exploit small weaknesses and adapt tactically mid-match. You win open tournaments and compete with top collegiate players.
6.0 – Nationally Ranked
You succeed at the top college level or in pro qualifiers, with technically sound strokes and multiple true weapons. Serves and returns set up points against even strong opposition. Movement, recovery, and defense are professional, and you thrive under pressure across long matches. You win most open events and post results at the pro level.
6.5 – Professional Level
You compete in the lower tiers of pro tennis or top college lineups. Ball quality forces errors, serve/return exchanges are professional, and you dictate tempo consistently. Court positioning and decision-making are precise. You beat 6.0s regularly and achieve results in pro qualifying or tour-level events.
7.0 – World-Class Touring Pro
You compete full-time on the professional tour. Every shot carries pace, spin, accuracy, and tactical purpose. Serves and returns hold up under world-class pressure, net play is airtight, and footwork and fitness are elite. You manage momentum against the best players in the world and produce results at the tour level.
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