1.0 You are just starting to play tennis.

1.5 You have limited experience & are working primarily on getting the ball in play.

2.0 You lack court experience & your strokes need developing. You are familiar with the basic positions for singles & doubles play.

2.5 You are learning to judge where the ball is going, although your court coverage is limited. You can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

3.0 You are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shorts, but are not comfortable with all strokes and lack execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Your most common doubles formation is one-up, one-back.

3.5 You have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but need to develop depth & variety. You exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage & are developing teamwork in doubles.

4.0 You have dependable strokes, including directional control & depth on both forehand & backhand sides on moderate-paced shots. You can use lobs, overheads, approach shots & volleys with some success & occasionally force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.

4.5 You have developed your use of power, spin & can handle pace. You have sound footwork, can control depth of shots, & attempt to vary game plan according to your opponents. You can hit first serves with power & accuracy & place the second serve. You tend to over-hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

5.0 You have good shot anticipation & frequently have an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. You can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls & can put away volleys. You can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, & have good depth and spin on most second serves.

5.5 You have mastered power and/or consistency as a major weapon. You can vary strategies & styles of play in a competitive situation & hit dependable shots in a stress situation.

6.0 to 6.5 You have had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior & collegiate levels & have obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.

7.0 You are a world-class player.