1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I picked up tennis recently: I hit the ball when it comes in slow and I'm still working out where it goes after it leaves my racket.
I already do
- RallyI return a slow ball that bounces in front of me with my forehand.
- ServeI get the serve in if I toss the ball up calmly.
- PositionI stay on the baseline and wait for the ball to come to me.
Not yet mastered
- RallyGetting past the second ball without an error: it either goes out or stops in the net.
- PositionMoving to the ball: when it comes to the side, I don't get there.
- ServeServing overhead without missing both the first and the second.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I can trade a few balls from the baseline when nobody pushes the pace, and my backhand has stopped being just a defensive shot.
I already do
- RallyFour or five crosscourt balls at practice pace.
- ServeAn overhead serve that goes in more often than not, without power.
- PositionI recover to the middle of the baseline after I hit.
Not yet mastered
- RallyA fast or high ball to the backhand: I return it crooked or short.
- PositionComing to the net; when I do, I don't know where to stop.
- ServeA reliable second serve: I still double-fault on the important points.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
My tennis has taken shape: I hold the baseline rally, steer the ball from side to side and close out a short point at the net now and then.
I already do
- RallyA ten-ball rally at moderate pace, forehand and backhand.
- PositionI come in when the ball lands short and volley what comes to my hand.
- ServeFirst serve with some direction; the second goes in most of the time.
Not yet mastered
- RallyKeeping my depth when I have to run for the ball.
- PositionCovering the court in a fast rally: I arrive late and hit off balance.
- ServeVarying my serve: it's always the same one, to the same spot.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play every week and build the point: I open the court with the crosscourt, punish the short ball and know when to come in and when to stay.
I already do
- RallyLong rallies with depth and a bit of spin on the forehand.
- PositionApproach and volley when the ball lands short; smash on a weak lob.
- ServeFirst serve with direction and pace; second with spin so I don't double-fault.
- DecisionI choose crosscourt or down the line based on where my opponent is.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSticking to the plan against someone who rarely misses: I end up going for it too soon.
- PositionThe low volley, at my feet.
In tournaments I play Classe B in my city's tournaments and win matches there.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a repertoire: slice to change the pace, a topspin forehand to push my opponent back and a serve that earns me easy points on a good day.
I already do
- RallyHeavy topspin forehand and a firm backhand at high pace.
- ServeFirst serve with speed or slice; second with kick, so it climbs and can't be attacked.
- PositionLow slice approach and a finishing volley; I anticipate the passing shot.
- DecisionI change height, spin and pace on purpose to pull my opponent out of their comfort zone.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionAdapting to someone who plays differently from me, with low slice or lots of high balls.
- ServeKeeping the speed on my serve at the decisive moments.
In tournaments I'm competitive in Classe A: 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: I have one shot that decides points, and the rest of my tennis is solid enough to get me there.
I already do
- RallyHigh pace from the baseline with consistency; I turn the rally toward my strong side.
- ServeServe as a weapon: aces, changes of direction and the next shot already planned.
- PositionI shorten the court after opening the angle and close at the net safely.
- DecisionI read my opponent's pattern and take their tennis apart.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSwitching plans mid-match when my opponent switches theirs.
In tournaments I play A top and regional Especial tournaments regularly and can win them.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I hold a competition pace for three sets against any style, and the decisive points tend to fall my way.
I already do
- DecisionI spot my opponent's weakness in the first games and change the plan.
- RallyI counter a heavy ball with direction and defend with slice without losing position.
- ServeHigh-level serve and return: I apply pressure from the first ball.
- PositionI cover the whole court at speed and finish points at the net or with a passing shot.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my tennis on someone who competes in the state ranking without losing my cool.
In tournaments I play Especial finals and have started entering state-ranking tournaments.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm among the best amateurs in my state: every shot does its job, and my opponent needs a plan to beat me.
I already do
- RallyEvery shot with margin and precision, for three sets if it takes that.
- DecisionI see my opponent's shot before they hit it and change tactics on the next point.
- ServeServe and return that sustain a high level, even under pressure.
- PositionFitness and intensity from the first point to the last.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training volume and fitness of someone who plays for a living.
In tournaments I play Master and compete in the strongest state and national amateur rankings.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
Tennis is my profession or my path: I train full-time, with a team and a tournament calendar.
I already do
- RallyTechnique, tactics, fitness and mind at the highest level.
- DecisionI make good decisions against tour players.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionWhat separates me from the others here is ranking position, not a shot.
In tournaments Pro: ITF, ATP or WTA circuit.
