Can someone explain to me the player ratings for tennis?

This is from the USTA website, which explains the ratings depending on play level-

2.5- This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

3.0- This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up, oneback

3.5- This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court

coverage, and is developing teamwork

4.0- You have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate-paced shots. You can use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success and 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 and spin and can handle pace. You have sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and attempt to vary game plan according to your opponents. You can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. You tend to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

5.0- You have good shot anticipation and 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 and can put away volleys. You can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and 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 and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation.

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

6.5- You are currently playing USTA circuit events in hopes of a professional tennis career.

7.0- You are a worldclass player.

You can read more about it here- http://www.usta.com/~/media/9B46CE5C64B14C04B93686...

and here http://www.usta.com/LeaguesAndTournaments/~/media/...

No, just sit and suffer. If Nadal is 30 -15 up in any game then I'm more relaxed because Rafa always has a great chance of winning a game when he's 30 - 15 up on his own serve or opponents serve. BQ1: How are you today?? Fine, just recovered from celebrating Nadal's victory BQ2: Ever watched Aravane Rezai's match live?? Live - No TV - Yes BQ3: Two best Beatles songs are?? I like, "She Loves You" & "Twist N' Shout" BQ4: Other then the top 4, what other male tennis players have a good chance for winning bigger tournaments this year? None, they don't have the stamina or mental strength to compete with the top 2 over five sets. BQ5: Rafa Nadal can become the number 1 tennis player by the end of year - true or false?? True BQ6: Ever wanted to go skydiving?? Nah, too risky BQ7: Where would you rather go to: Ibiza, London or Luxembourg?? Ibiza BQ8: Federer will retire in the next 3 years - true or false?? I'd say in 3-5 years BQ9: If Novak wasn't a tennis player, what do you think he would be?? Nutritionist BQ10: Do you like Troicki?? Yeah..... BQ11: How many tournaments did Edberg win in his career?? Would you like me to make you a hot drink? Tea, Coffee, or Hot Chocolate? BQ11: Would you still support your favourite tennis player if you knew he/she will never win a match again?? Yes, I've been a loyal fan of Rafa for several years, even when he kept losing to Djokovic last year, I had belief in him, not like some one who a posted a question on here asking whether Nadal will retire after he lost the US Open title last year BQ12: Are you happy with the result of the final?? Yes, obviously BQ13: You like blueberries - true or false?? Dunno BQ14: Sorry that there are so many BQ's, but they have a hidden message. If you can find it, write what song is that line from, and you'll get the Best Answer. :P No idea.....Hmm, my guess is Venga Boys - "Were Going To Ibiza" BQ1: I'm sure Nadal fans would've been PARTYING last night. BQ3: "She Loves You" is one of my favourite Beatles songs and I know you love Nadal and BQ7: Ibiza is in Spain. BQ6: Skydiving, well the song is about FLYING to Ibiza. "back to the ISLAND" " In the MEDITERRANEAN SEA" are in the lyrics.

Nice cut and paste answer, Jay! It is the perfect textbook answer, with links! This generally explains what you would generally need at each level, to be successful at that level. However, a person with most 4.0 skills may only be rated a 3.5, because of one weakness that makes them consistently lose at the 4.0 level. Winning matches (or at least playing competitively) at any of these levels keep you at that level. If you start consistently beating players at your level, you get bumped up to the next level. The USTA and singles leagues like the Ultimate Tennis league (www.ultimatetennis.com), rate players a bit differently. Its easier to "sandbag" in the USTA, versus the Ultimate Tennis league. "Sandbagging" is playing at a lower level than what you really are capable of, just to win more.