How Baseplay Rates Tennis Players
At Baseplay Tennis Academy, every player is placed in the right group from day one. We use a structured 1.0–5.0 rating system — similar in concept to the NTRP (National Tennis Rating Programme) used globally — adapted for our coaching environment in Singapore.
Ratings from 1.0 to 3.5 are based on self-assessment using the criteria below. Ratings of 4.0 and above require a play test with one of our coaches.
Adult Rating Levels
1.0 — Beginner 1
You are new to tennis or returning after a long break. Focus is on learning the mechanics of the forehand, backhand and serve from scratch. Sessions are structured around stroke technique and coordination.
- Baseline rally: over 5 shots
- Focus: forehand, backhand & serve basics
- Self-assessment
1.5 — Beginner 2
You can rally consistently over short exchanges and are beginning to develop direction and consistency off both wings. Serve is developing.
- Baseline rally: over 10 shots
- Directional groundstrokes, basic volleys & serve consistency
- Self-assessment
2.0 — Improver 1
You rally comfortably over 15 shots and have started using a Continental grip for serve, volley and smash. You understand basic court positioning.
- Baseline rally: over 15 shots
- Continental grip for serve, volley & smash
- Self-assessment
2.5 — Improver 2
You can sustain rallies over 25 shots and are developing directional control on volleys. Flat serve placement to forehand or backhand is consistent.
- Rally: over 25 shots
- Directional volleys, flat serve placement to FH or BH
- Self-assessment
3.0 — Intermediate 1
You rally over 20 shots comfortably past the service line. Volleys are consistent, and you can hit slice and flat serves reliably.
- Baseline rally: over 20 shots past service line
- Consistent volleys, slice & flat serve
- Self-assessment
3.5 — Intermediate 2
You can sustain a rally over 30 shots past the service line and volley rally over 20 shots. You have developed all three serve types: slice, kick and flat.
- Rally: over 30 shots past service line
- Volley rally: over 20 shots
- Slice, kick & flat serve
- Self-assessment
4.0 — Advanced 1
You are a strong match player with consistent technical ability. Placement from all areas of the court is reliable under pressure.
- Play test by coach required
- Test: 10 crosscourt & down-the-line baseline balls in under 1 minute using 1 ball
4.5–5.0 — Advanced 2 / Competition
You are an accomplished player with all-round proficiency. You compete regularly or have significant competitive experience.
- Play test by coach required
- Test: All-round proficiency benchmark — 15+ rally balls, directional control, full serve repertoire
How to Self-Assess
Read each level starting from 1.0 and work your way up. Stop at the first level where you cannot reliably meet the criteria. That is your starting rating.
If you are unsure, always start one level lower. You will move up once your coach confirms you are ready.
What Happens at 4.0+
For ratings of 4.0 and above, self-assessment is not sufficient. You will need to complete a short play test with one of our coaches before being placed. This ensures the group quality stays high for everyone.
Contact us to arrange a play test session: enquire here.
Why We Use This System
Placing players in the right group has a direct impact on the quality of every session. When everyone in the group is at a similar level, rallies are longer, drills are more effective, and improvement happens faster.
Our coaches also use this system to track progression over time — when you are ready to move up, your coach will let you know.
Find Your Class
Once you know your rating, you can find the right class at our venues:
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