1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I've just started beach tennis and play singles on the half court because that's how I learn: serve, return and hope the ball goes in.
I already do
- RallyI return the slow ball that drops on my side of the half court.
- ServeUnderarm serve that lands in, and the whole court to cover alone afterwards.
- NetI volley the ball that comes straight to my racket.
Not yet mastered
- RallyTwo or three shots without the ball dropping in the sand.
- ServeServing overhead without the ball going into the net.
- NetThe smash on a high ball: alone on the half court, I either arrive late or hit the net.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I can trade a few balls alone on my side, and the overhead serve has become my default, even without power.
I already do
- RallyA four- or five-ball exchange down the middle of the court, with nobody to share the side.
- ServeOverhead serve that goes in more often than not, even with no partner to cover the return.
- NetSmash on a slow, high ball.
Not yet mastered
- RallyCovering the half court alone: the wide ball gets past me.
- ServeServing into the corners: in singles every serve is mine, and it still goes to the same spot.
- NetVolleying a fast ball: I return it up.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
Singles has started to make sense: I serve with direction, return low and look for the gap on the other side of the net.
I already do
- ServeServe with direction, crosscourt or at the body.
- RallyA return that drops at my opponent's feet instead of rising for their smash.
- NetVolley with direction and a smash on a mid-height ball.
Not yet mastered
- RallyKeeping the exchange going after running to the sideline: I get there, but the return comes out high.
- ServeA second serve that stays deep when I am alone on the baseline.
- NetDefending a hard smash: the ball goes back up.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play every week and build the point on my own: serve to open up, volley into the gap and smash when the ball goes up.
I already do
- ServeServe with changes of direction and speed; I win points outright.
- RallyDeep, low return that gives me the point to play.
- NetSmash with direction; low volley that forces the opponent to lift.
- DecisionI decide between the open space and the opponent's body based on where they are.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionHolding my precision against someone more solid: I know what to do, I don't always do it.
- NetDefending a hard smash and getting back into position in time.
In tournaments I play Categoria B singles in my city's tournaments and win matches there.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a singles repertoire: serve with spin, short slice volley and a topspin smash that closes the angle of the half court.
I already do
- ServeSlice or kick serve that bounces low and opens the court.
- NetSmash with spin from any height; finishing volley on a medium ball.
- RallyI block a medium-pace smash on my own and send the ball back low.
- DecisionI change the direction of my serve and return to move the opponent out of place.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionAdapting to someone who plays differently, with lots of lobs or lots of balls at the feet.
- NetFinishing the point against someone who defends everything: with no partner to share it, I force the smash and miss.
In tournaments I'm competitive in Categoria A singles: I win often and reach the final rounds now and then.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I rarely miss and I dictate the pace of the half court: my serve wins points outright and my smash finishes.
I already do
- ServeA serve that opens the half court: corner, body or spin, with the next point already planned.
- NetA finishing smash on any ball that rises; angled volley on a fast ball.
- RallyI hold a hard smash on the racket and counter through the space my opponent left.
- DecisionI read the pattern of my opponent's return and anticipate.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSwitching the plan mid-match when my opponent switches theirs.
In tournaments I play A top singles regularly and can win it.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I compete on the professional singles circuit and hold high intensity against any style; defense has become the start of my attack.
I already do
- DecisionIn the first games I work out which return hurts my opponent most and keep going back to it.
- ServeServe and return that decide the point before the third ball.
- NetSmash and finishing volley on a fast ball.
- RallyA heavy smash defended with a low ball that turns into attack, with no partner to help.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my match on the top 100 without losing my cool.
In tournaments I play Pro singles and sit between 300th and 100th in the ranking.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm among the best in the country in singles: every shot does its job, and my opponent needs a plan to beat me.
I already do
- ServeServe and return that hold the half court even on set point down.
- NetSmash and volley on target for three sets, with no partner to compensate.
- DecisionI sense where my opponent wants to play before contact and adjust the plan without waiting for the set to end.
- RallyLegs to cover the half court alone until the last point.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training routine of someone who makes a living from singles in the top 50.
In tournaments I play Pro singles and sit between 100th and 50th in the ranking.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
Beach tennis is my profession: I train full-time, with a team and a national and international calendar.
I already do
- RallyServe, smash, fitness and mind at the highest level of singles.
- DecisionI make good decisions against the top of the ranking.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionIn singles at this level the list runs out: what's left is ranking position.
In tournaments Pro: top 50 of the singles ranking.
