1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I play table tennis now and then, on a club or home table: I get the ball back, but I don't know why it goes where it goes.
I already do
- RallyI return a slow ball that comes to my forehand.
- ServeI serve with the ball bouncing on my side of the table first.
- SpinI know the paddle's rubber changes what the ball does.
Not yet mastered
- RallyGetting past three exchanges without hitting the net.
- ServeHandling a spin serve: the ball pops up or drops out.
- SpinSeeing the spin that's coming: I only notice after I miss.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I can hold a forehand rally with someone at my pace, and I can push the ball back on the backhand without missing so much.
I already do
- RallyFive or six forehand exchanges at practice pace.
- ServeA regular serve, with the ball tossed and landing on the table.
- SpinI push a backspin ball back without lifting it.
Not yet mastered
- RallyMoving to cover both corners: the ball to my backhand catches me flat-footed.
- SpinTopspin: I try it and the ball goes high.
- ServeA spin serve that confuses my opponent.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
Table tennis has started to make sense: I topspin a high ball on the forehand and I know when the ball comes with backspin.
I already do
- SpinForehand topspin on a ball that sits up; I recognize backspin and sidespin on a simple serve.
- RallyA backhand rally at medium pace, switching to the forehand when the ball asks for it.
- ServeA short serve with a bit of spin and a long serve for variety.
Not yet mastered
- SpinLifting a heavy backspin ball with topspin: it still goes into the net.
- RallyKeeping the rally going when my opponent speeds up or switches sides.
- ServeReceiving a sidespin serve: the ball goes off the side of the table.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I train every week and I have a game now: spin serves, topspin on both sides, and I know when to attack and when to hold.
I already do
- SpinForehand and backhand topspin against backspin at a moderate pace.
- ServeI vary short and long, backspin and sidespin; I receive spin serves without lifting.
- RallyI cover both corners with footwork and return to the center after the shot.
- DecisionI choose between attacking and blocking based on the ball and my opponent's position.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping my tactics against someone who chops or blocks better: I rush.
- SpinCounter-topspin (topspin against topspin): the ball still goes high or out.
In tournaments I play Category B in my city's tournaments and win matches in it.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a repertoire: varied spin serves, a topspin that opens the point, active blocking and a flick on the short ball. Against more consistent players, I still make more errors than I'd like.
I already do
- ServeA disguised spin serve (same motion, different spins) and a flick receive on the short ball.
- SpinCounter-topspin at a moderate pace; a defensive chop away from the table when needed.
- RallyQuick footwork between forehand and backhand without losing position.
- DecisionI vary speed, spin and placement on purpose to move my opponent out of position.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSticking to my tactics when my opponent blocks everything I attack.
- SpinA strong loop against a heavily chopped ball: still not reliable.
In tournaments I play Category A and I'm competitive in it; now and then I reach the final rounds.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I make few errors, I set the pace of the rally and I have a shot that decides: my forehand topspin opens and closes the point.
I already do
- SpinStrong, well-placed topspin on both sides; counter-topspin at speed.
- RallyFast rallies close to the table, dropping back to mid-distance when I need to.
- ServeServe and third ball as a ready-made sequence.
- DecisionI read my opponent's style within a few points and attack the weak side.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionChanging tactics mid-match when my opponent changes theirs.
In tournaments I play the top A and regional Special categories regularly; in Special I win matches but don't yet go all the way.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity against any style, attacker, blocker or chopper, and I'm strong in the points that decide.
I already do
- DecisionI spot my opponent's pattern in the first games and adjust the plan.
- SpinTopspin counter-attack at speed; chop defense and back to the attack.
- RallyFast, long rallies without losing precision; I cover the whole table.
- ServeThe serve as a weapon: spin, length and direction to win the third ball.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my game on a state-ranked opponent without losing my head.
In tournaments I play Special category finals and have started entering state ranking tournaments.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
In my state's amateur scene, I'm one of the known names: I have no weak shot, and whoever faces me needs to show up with a plan.
I already do
- RallyPrecision in attack and defense from the first point to the last.
- DecisionI anticipate my opponent's intent and change strategy on the spot.
- SpinI read any spin, including from special rubbers (pips, anti-spin), and answer with quality.
- ServeFlawless serve and receive against ranked opponents.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training pace of someone who makes a living from table tennis.
In tournaments I play the Master category and compete in the state and national rankings.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
Table tennis is my job, or it's becoming one: I train as an athlete, with a coach and a competition calendar.
I already do
- RallyServe, third ball and footwork at the standard of a ranking player.
- DecisionI make good decisions against nationally ranked opponents.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionOnly what separates the top of the national ranking from the rest: results against them.
In tournaments Professional: elite national ranking, the Brazil Cup or the international circuit (WTT).
