Adult Tennis
The Tennis Center provides activities to challenge every tennis player such as lessons, drill and play, and leagues. View our current lesson schedule and register online
Ability Levels
We use the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) as a general guide for our adult class levels. The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) uses rating categories from 0 to 7. The ratings help all tennis players enjoy the game by providing a method of classifying skill levels for more compatible matches, group lessons, league play, tournaments and other programs. The rating categories are generalizations about skill levels.
Level 1 (NTRP 1.0-2.4)
1.0 Beginner. Just starting to play tennis.
1.5 Beginner II. Limited experience, still working primarily on getting the ball in play. Learning to coordinate, serve, and keep score.
2.0 Advanced Beginner. Has obvious stroke weaknesses, but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play. Understands scoring and court positions but is not yet consistent hitting the ball over the net.
Level 2 (NTRP 2.5-2.9)
2.5 Advanced Beginner. Learning to judge where the ball is going, although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with others of the same ability. Able to use backhand and forehand, can volley, serve overhead from the baseline, and call lines.
Level 3 (NTRP 3.0-3.9)
3.0 Intermediate. Player is getting better at moving to the ball and is improving court coverage. Player can serve and sustain a slow rally. Player needs to improve control. Player attempts to move opponent.
3.5 Advanced Intermediate. Player is beginning to develop directional control and depth in rallies. Starting to recognize opportunities to attack short balls. Developing more spin and power on the serve and seldom double faults. Player is becoming more aggressive and applies basic strategy in singles and teamwork in doubles.
Level 4 (NTRP 4.0+)
4.0 Advanced Intermediate. 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. Occasionally forces errors when serving, and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
4.5 Advanced. Has dependable game and executes high-paced shots consistently. Court coverage and footwork are sound. Has begun to master the use of power and spins. Can vary depth of produce some winners. Second serves are hit with good spin and placement. Can be aggressive in both singles and doubles and covers weaknesses well. Player is developing and offensive weapon. Self-motivated.
5.0 Advanced. Has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or weapon around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors and is capable of all shots. First serve is an offensive weapon and often allows rushing the net. Volleys and overhead smashes are typically winning shots. Player uses high percentage shots in both singles and doubles. Self-motivated.
We use simplified versions of the NTRP ratings. For more information, the US Tennis Association provides detailed descriptions of each level.
Adult Tennis Activities
- Adult Lessons: The Indoor Tennis Center offers an extensive lesson program for beginning to advanced adult players. Programs range from group lessons focusing on skill development, to competitive play. Classes are offered Mondays & Wednesdays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, or Saturdays.
- Drill and Play: Improve your skills with moving drills. Using your current USTA rating for class choice insures a challenging learning environment for all. Morning, Afternoon and Evening sessions available.
- Private Lessons: Private lessons are also available. Call the Tennis Center, 503-635-5550, for a listing of our professional teaching staff.
- Leagues: Many other opportunities are provided for competitive and non-competitive play in City League and USTA Team Tennis. Call the Tennis Center at 503-635-5550 for more information.