Characteristics of Various Playing Levels. Use the following guidelines to help place participants in correct division.

1.0 Player is just starting to play tennis and is learning the basic skills of serving, forehands, backhands, and volleys.

1.5 Player is only slightly more advanced than a 1.0 player. Player needs to coordinate moving when hitting the ball. In fact, player is still concentrating on getting the ball over the net from a stationary position. Player is learning to serve and keep score.

2.0 Player is now beginning to coordinate footwork when contacting the ball but is not consistent in hitting the ball over the net. Player can serve to some degree but double faults frequently. Player understands scoring as well as correct positions for serving and receiving. Player has limited success with volley but has knowledge of court positioning in both singles and doubles.

2.5 Player is able to judge where the ball is going. Player can sustain a slow-paced rally of several shots with someone of the same ability using both forehand and backhand sides and can volley with moderate success. Player can keep score unassisted, can call own lines, can serve overhand from the baseline, and has an understanding of the basic rules.

3.0 Player is getting better at moving to the ball and is improving court coverage, can sustain a rally with consistency on slow- to moderate-paced shots. Player serves with fair consistency with few double faults. On ground strokes, player needs to improve control of height, depth, direction, and speed. Player attempts to move opponent from side to side and hit to the opponent's weakness.

3.5 Player can sustain a rally and is beginning to develop directional control and depth of ground strokes. Player is starting to recognize opportunities to attack short balls by coming to the net. Player is developing more spin and power on the serve and seldom double faults. Player is becoming more aggressive, is applying basic strategy in singles, and is using teamwork in doubles.

4.0 Player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on higher-paced shots and has good court coverage. Player has added variety in shot selection by using lobs, overheads, volleys, and approach shots with some success. Player is developing a game plan, is serving with good consistency, and is forcing some errors with power and/or spin. Player demonstrates good teamwork in doubles.

4.5 Player has a very dependable game and executes most shots consistently on higher-paced shots. Player's court coverage and footwork are sound and the player has begun to master the use of power and spins. Player can vary depth of shots and game plan according to his or her opponent's play. Player's first serve may produce some winners and second serves are hit with good spin and placement. Player can be aggressive in both singles and doubles and covers weaknesses well. Player is developing an offensive weapon.

5.0 Player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or weapon around which a game may be structured. Player can regularly hit winners or force errors on short balls and is capable of all shots. Player's first serve is an offensive weapon and often allows rushing the net after the first or second serve. Volleys and overhead smashes are typically winning shots. Player is matchwise and usesshots that have a high percentage of success in both singles and doubles.