Whether you’re booking your first match on Korta or joining a local league, knowing your tennis skill level makes finding competitive games easier. The NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) gives players a common language – but figuring out where you sit on that scale isn’t always clear.
Our interactive quiz estimates your rating in about two minutes, then shows you exactly how to use it inside Korta.
Why your rating matters on Korta
Match with players inside your level so both sides stay challenged. Your rating helps you find balanced matches within the same skill range.
Listings tagged with NTRP levels help you confirm a good fit before you send a match request. Captains can also spot you quickly when they fill doubles lineups.
Most USTA leagues and many club ladders require a valid NTRP. Having your rating ready helps you join the right level of competition.
Track your rating progression over time. Korta automatically adjusts your rating based on match results, so you can see your improvement on your stats page.
Rating systems you might see
| System | Scale | Best For |
|---|---|---|
NTRP National Tennis Rating Program | 1.0 – 7.0 (0.5 steps) | USTA leagues and adult recreational play in the U.S. |
UTR Universal Tennis Rating | 1.0 – 16.5 | College programs and high-performance academies |
WTN World Tennis Number | 40 (beginner) – 1 (elite) | International federations and global tournaments |
Pro tip: It’s common to carry more than one number. If you play primarily in the U.S., prioritize your NTRP for booking on Korta and lean on UTR or WTN as extra benchmarks for travel events.
How to check your tennis rating
1. Read the official guidelines
Start with the USTA self-rating guide. Highlight the level that sounds like your typical match play – not a one-off hot streak. Focus on consistency, shot variety, and court coverage because those are the traits USTA league captains look for.
2. Look up your USTA computer rating (if you have one)
- Sign in at usta.com
- Open Player Profile → Stats & Standings
C= computer ratedS= self-ratedT= tournament rated
If you see a code like 3.5C, that’s your official number. Share it in your Korta profile so captains know you’re verified.
3. Get a quick benchmark with the Korta quiz
Answer each prompt based on real match pressure – can you execute the skill when the score matters? The quiz blends USTA descriptors with tactical and mental checkpoints so you get a decimal score (e.g., 3.28) instead of only half-point labels.
Check your tennis rating
This quick quiz walks through eight everyday tennis scenarios. Pick the line that sounds most like your recent play and we’ll suggest a starting NTRP range.
- Takes about two minutes to finish
- Eight short questions, no wrong answers
- Retake anytime when your game levels up
Honesty wins matches. Choosing a slightly higher answer might feel good, but captains and opponents will spot mismatches fast. Use the quiz to confirm, not to inflate.
4. Let Korta track your progress automatically
Your rating adjusts with every match
When you submit match scores on Korta, your rating automatically updates based on your results and your opponent’s rating. Win against higher-rated players and watch your rating climb – no manual recalculation needed.
NTRP levels at a glance
- Short rallies (2–3 shots) and basic serves
- Working on contact, recovery steps, and judging ball height
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Groundstrokes
Limited experience with strokes. Inconsistent contact – many balls hit on the frame or miss entirely. Forehand more comfortable than backhand. Difficulty judging ball height and depth.
Serves & Returns
Serve motion is developing; often uses abbreviated swing. Ball lands in the service box less than 50% of the time. Return of serve is a struggle – focus is just on making contact.
Court Coverage & Movement
Limited mobility and court coverage. Often out of position or caught flat-footed. Learning where to stand and how to recover between shots.
Common Focus Areas
Developing consistent contact, learning proper grips, building rally tolerance, understanding scoring and basic court positioning.
- Keeps slow-to-medium rallies going and can cooperate in doubles
- Focus on reliable cross-court groundstrokes and ready positioning
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Groundstrokes
Sustains slow to medium-paced rallies with basic consistency (5–8 shots). Forehand more reliable than backhand. Can hit cross-court but down-the-line placement is inconsistent. Working on eliminating frame shots and mishits.
Serves & Returns
Serve lands in the box 50–60% of the time with moderate pace. Limited spin or placement variation – focuses on just getting the ball in. Returns often land short, allowing opponent to attack.
Volleys & Net Play
Uncomfortable at net; prefers baseline rallies. Can execute basic volleys on easy setups but struggles with pace or angles. Avoids overhead situations when possible.
Movement & Court Coverage
Recovering to center but often late or out of position for next shot. Footwork is developing; sometimes caught on heels or flat-footed. Limited anticipation – reacts rather than predicts.
Strategy & Tactics
Understands keep-the-ball-in-play mentality. Recognizes partner’s court coverage in doubles but positioning is inconsistent. Limited shot variety; relies on one go-to pattern.
Common Weaknesses
Directional control fades under pressure. Second serve weak or nonexistent (double faults common). Struggles against 3.0+ players consistently. Limited understanding of when to attack vs. defend.
- Sustains medium-pace rallies but directional control fades under pressure
- Developing deeper targets, net approaches, and a dependable second serve
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Show detailed breakdown
Groundstrokes
Sustains medium-pace rallies with moderate consistency. Forehand is developing as a weapon; backhand remains more defensive. Can direct balls cross-court and down-the-line but placement varies under pressure. Depth control improving but inconsistent.
Serves & Returns
First serve lands 60–65% with moderate pace. Developing second serve – may use spin or softer pace. Return of serve shows improved depth but still defensive. Can keep ball in play but struggles to pressure opponent’s serve.
Volleys & Net Play
Beginning to approach net on short balls but execution is tentative. Volleys improving on easy setups; struggles with low balls or quick exchanges. Overhead developing but often defensive rather than offensive.
Movement & Court Coverage
Covers court adequately for medium-pace rallies. Recovery to center improving but sometimes slow. Anticipation developing – beginning to read opponent patterns. Footwork allows for balanced contact most of the time.
Strategy & Tactics
Understands consistency over power. Beginning to recognize patterns but execution is inconsistent. In doubles, knows basic positioning but struggles with when to poach or switch. Shot selection improving but makes errors under pressure.
Common Weaknesses
Directional control breaks down when rushed. Limited variety in pace and spin. Struggles to maintain rally against aggressive 3.5+ players. Mental game falters after several unforced errors in a row.
- Directs shots, forces errors, experiments with net play
- Adding patterns like third-ball offense and mixed-spin rallies
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Show detailed breakdown
Groundstrokes
Achieves dependable depth and direction on both forehand and backhand during moderate rallies. Can control direction for most shots and vary depth, but consistency breaks down under heavy pressure. Beginning to exhibit aggressive intent and force errors through placement.
Serves & Returns
Developing power and spin on first serve; uses placement to set up points. Has reliable second serve that lands in the box 70%+ of the time. Return of serve shows directional control and ability to neutralize medium-pace serves.
Volleys & Net Play
Comfortable approaching on short balls and finishing with volleys. Can handle medium-pace volleys but struggles with extreme pace or sharp angles. Overheads are reliable on standard lobs.
Movement & Court Coverage
Covers court effectively side-to-side, recovering to good position between shots. Anticipation improving – reads opponent patterns and adjusts positioning. Footwork allows for balanced contact on most balls.
Strategy & Tactics
Understands point construction with 2–3 shot patterns. Experiments with third-ball offense (serve → return → attack). Recognizes when to approach net vs. stay back based on ball quality. Beginning to identify and exploit opponent weaknesses.
Common Weaknesses
Unforced errors increase significantly under pressure or when rushed. Limited variety in serve placement and spin. Struggles to maintain consistency against harder hitters (4.0+). Shot selection sometimes poor when stretched wide or pushed back.
- Plays an all-court game with situational awareness
- Creates offense with pace and finishes at net while managing unforced errors
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Groundstrokes
Hits with depth and pace consistently from both wings. Can control direction, height, and spin intentionally to construct points. Generates controlled aggression – mix of heavy topspin and flatter drives. Backhand is dependable weapon, not just defensive shot.
Serves & Returns
First serve lands 60–65% with pace and placement; can hit 3+ different spots. Uses kick serve or slice serve as reliable second serve. Return of serve neutralizes opponent’s advantage – can go offensive on weak serves. Adjusts return position based on opponent’s serve patterns.
Volleys & Net Play
Approaches net with purpose on short balls and executes approach shots with depth. Volleys are crisp and placed – can handle pace and redirect angles. Overheads are reliable weapons; can hit on the run. Uses drop volleys and touch shots when appropriate.
Movement & Court Coverage
Covers court efficiently with anticipation and quick first step. Recovers to optimal position between shots instinctively. Reads opponent’s body language and shot patterns to position early. Can track down defensive lobs and return to offensive position.
Strategy & Tactics
Constructs points with clear intent: serve + 1, serve + return + attack patterns. Identifies opponent weaknesses within 3–4 games and exploits them. Knows when to change pace, use angles, or go down the middle. Manages risk vs. reward based on score and match situation.
Common Weaknesses
Consistency drops against heavy pace or extreme spin from 4.5+ players. Under pressure, may revert to safe patterns instead of executing game plan. Mental toughness varies – can lose focus after bad runs. Limited experience against advanced tactical variations.
- Generates controlled power, uses variety, and dictates points with serve/return
- Targets opponent weaknesses and handles pace changes mid-match
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Show detailed breakdown
Groundstrokes
Generates controlled power from both wings with consistent depth and heavy spin. Can hit offensive shots from defensive positions. Uses variety (slice, topspin, flat) to disrupt opponent rhythm. Dictates play with aggressive groundstrokes while keeping unforced errors low.
Serves & Returns
First serve is a weapon – lands 65%+ with pace, spin, and precision to all areas. Second serve features heavy spin and placement to prevent opponent from attacking. Return of serve is aggressive and varied – can chip, block, or attack based on serve quality and match situation.
Volleys & Net Play
Comfortable at net with quick reflexes and excellent hands. Anticipates passing shots and closes effectively. Uses drop volleys, angled volleys, and swinging volleys with precision. Overhead is an offensive weapon from anywhere in the court.
Movement & Court Coverage
Exceptional court coverage with explosive first step and efficient recovery. Anticipates exceptionally well – often in position before opponent hits. Can defend well then transition to offense immediately. Footwork is refined and balanced even when moving at full speed.
Strategy & Tactics
Executes complex game plans and adjusts tactics mid-match based on opponent. Exploits weaknesses ruthlessly while protecting own vulnerabilities. Uses pace changes, spins, angles, and depth variations to control tempo. Strong mental game – handles pressure well and maintains focus.
Common Weaknesses
May struggle against elite 5.0+ players with superior weapons. Occasional lapses in concentration during routine points. Physical conditioning may limit performance in long matches. Limited experience against professional-level pace and spin.
- Competes at national events, reads patterns quickly, and brings weapons off both wings
- Training blocks focus on optimization (conditioning, scouting, surface adjustments)
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Show detailed breakdown
Overall Profile
Has extensive tournament experience and competes at high collegiate or professional level. Possesses multiple weapons and can dominate matches through superior shot-making, tactics, and mental fortitude. Training is structured and periodized with focus on peak performance.
Shot Quality
All strokes are weapons capable of winning points outright. Generates extreme pace, spin, and precision. Can hit winners from defensive positions and handle the highest level of pace from opponents. Shot tolerance and variety are exceptional.
Tactical Excellence
Reads opponents quickly and adjusts strategy dynamically. Executes sophisticated patterns and constructs points with 4–6 shot combinations. Understands surface-specific tactics and adapts game accordingly. Mental toughness and competitive mindset are elite.
Physical Attributes
Superior athleticism, speed, and endurance. Can maintain high level of play for extended periods. Recovery between points is quick and efficient. Conditioning programs are professional-level with strength, speed, and agility training.
* Use these snapshots to sanity-check your quiz result or have a focused conversation with a coach about what to train next. Expand any level for detailed characteristics used in official USTA ratings.
How to improve your rating
Challenge players 0.5 levels above you regularly. Winning against higher-rated opponents accelerates your rating growth and exposes weaknesses to address.
Reduce unforced errors before adding power. NTRP progression rewards reliable shot-making under pressure more than occasional winners.
Submit scores consistently on Korta. Your rating adjusts automatically based on results, giving you clear feedback on what’s working.
Even a few sessions can correct technical flaws and introduce tactical patterns that unlock the next level faster than solo practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NTRP rating system?
The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is a standardized 1.5–7.0 scale developed in 1978 to help players identify their skill level. It ranges from 1.5 (beginner) to 7.0 (world-class touring professional), with most recreational players falling between 2.5 and 4.5.
Do I need a USTA membership to know my rating?
No. You can self-assess using this guide and our interactive quiz. An official USTA rating comes from playing in USTA League matches, but self-rating is free and gives you a reliable starting point for finding competitive matches.
How accurate is self-rating?
Self-rating is surprisingly accurate when done honestly. The key is being realistic about your abilities under match pressure, not just practice conditions. Our quiz uses USTA guidelines and accounts for technical skills, tactical awareness, and match experience to give you a well-rounded estimate.
Can my rating change over time?
Absolutely. Your rating should evolve as your skills improve or if you take extended breaks from tennis. Most players see gradual improvements of 0.5 levels per year with consistent practice and match play. Reassess every 6-12 months or after significant training periods.
What if I'm between two levels?
It's common to fall between levels (e.g., high 3.0 vs. low 3.5). When in doubt, round up to the higher level—you'll improve faster by challenging yourself. Our quiz provides a precise decimal score (like 3.23) to help you understand exactly where you stand.
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