When signing up, every new player assesses their level of play according to the descriptions below. They will then play a "ratings match" before league play starts to further ensure that they are entering the league at the right level. This ratings match is set up by the League Coordinator. It may be too difficult to schedule this if a player signs up with less than a week before the entry deadline. In that instance, the new player will enter at the skill level they signed up for.
1.0 - JV (Junior League)
1.No prior tournament, league, or team competition.
2.For players who can sustain a rally and know the rules/scoring, but have never competed before.
1.5 - Varsity Silver (Junior league)
Prior tournament, league, or team competition
Players who expect to play on their freshman, sophomore or JV high school teams.
Players with a UTR of 3.0 & Below
2.0 - Varsity Gold (Junior League)
Prior tournament, league, or team competition.
Players who expect to play on their varsity high school team.
Players will be grouped by their UTR. Players should expect to play others at their own level.
2.5 Level
Designed for players who want to improve their skills and don't feel ready yet for serious competition.
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.
Source: USTA (NTRP abbreviated)
3.0 Level
Designed for players who are ready to compete and believe the paragraph below describes their level of play:
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.
Source: USTA (NTRP abbreviated)
3.5 Level
Designed for players who are ready to compete and believe the paragraph below describes their level of play:
3.5: This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Player exhibits more aggressive net play, and has improved court coverage.
Source: USTA (NTRP abbreviated)
4.0 Level
Designed for players who believe the paragraph below describes their level of play:
4.0: This player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. This player occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
Source: USTA (NTRP abbreviated)
4.0 women may be combined with higher level players in 2014 playoff competition.
4.5 Level
4.5: This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Player tends to over hit on difficult shots.
Source: USTA (NTRP abbreviated)
4.5 women may be combined with lower or higher level players in 2014 playoff competition as the league is growing
5.0 Level
This is our top flight division. Players who want to play at this level will be asked for a recommendation or for a resume of experience.
5.0: This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. Player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.0 women may be combined with lower level players in 2014 playoff competition
A 5.0+ level will include players by invitation of the League Coordinator
A
Gladiator Tennis will be the first time you have ever played in an organized tennis competition
AA
You have 1 or more years or seasons of experience playing in high school tennis or in an adult league with a park district, tennis club, USTA, or another league. You have NOT played competitively within the last two years.
AAA
You have 1 or more years or seasons of experience playing in high school tennis or in an adult league with a park district, tennis club, USTA, or another league. You HAVE played competitively within the past two years. Your skill level has NOT been rated by a certified tennis instructor/pro.
Major League
You have 1 or more years or seasons of experience playing in high school tennis or in an adult league with a park district, tennis club, USTA, or another league. You HAVE played competitively within the past two years. Your skill level has been rated by a certified tennis instructor/pro.
