The TM.net rating system is based on the USTA rating system in that the levels are the same. The difference is the TM.net rating system is delineated to ½ a hundredth of a point where as the USTA system is gradated by only ½ a point. Therefore, the TM.net rating system allows for a variety of levels in between let’s say a 3.5 and a 4.0 level player. Not only are there 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, & 3.9 levels but there are 3.65, 3.75, 3.85, & 3.95 levels. This system allows for movement in one’s ability range and provides a clearer rating of one’s true ability within that particular ladder.

Initially, a player is given a TM.net rating based on their USTA rating by their ladder director and after completing a TM.net Challenge Ladder, their TM.net rating will be adjusted according to their results. The more participants in any given ladder, the more accurate the rating system becomes. An algorithm based system automatically computes player’s results for their season and effectively denotes the player’s final TM.net rating!

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

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

2.5
You are learning to judge where the ball is going, although your court converage 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 mediu-paced shots, 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 on back.

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

4.0
You have depenable strokes, including direction 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 regulary 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 servers.

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 shots in a stress situation.

6.0 to 7.0
You have had intensive training for national tournmanet competition at the junior and collegiate levels and have obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.

7.0
You are a world-class player.