How did you rate? The year end NTRP ratings for the 2017 USTA Adult League season are now available. You can check your rating by logging on the USTA site and selecting Tennis Link- NTRP Rating. For additional questions and answers related to NTRP ratings, click here.
The advantage of receiving a lower rating is that it affords a player to compete at two levels. For instance, if a player had a 3.0 rating and were hoped to receive a 3.5 rating for 2017 and didn’t, they can play both 3.0 and 3.5 levels next season. If he/she moved up to 3.5, their competitive opportunities would be limited to 3.5 teams.
Overall, it appears that there was little movement with ratings this season. How the sectional champions perform at nationals has a huge impact on the local ratings. It is a bit like a domino effect. For example, if a 3.5 women’s team from Delaware were sectional champions and they do not play well at Nationals, the local ratings will tend to stay the same or decrease (because Delaware won at sectionals, possibly beating New Jersey District champions, who may have defeated a local team).
The question we hear most often is how can I improve my rating? The biggest mistake is to think that you can “play” your way to a higher rating. If you bake a cake with four ingredients and follow a set plan of instructions, it will probably taste the same, whether you bake it once a week or 5 times a week. How many ingredients does your tennis game have? A player that has a powerful flat serve, flat groundstroke, deep powerful volleys and overhead is only effective against a player who doesn’t respond well to power. Developing angle volleys, slice serves, lobs or different spins can give you ingredients to spice up your game and be more effective against more players.
Being able to play at a lower level will provide a player the opportunity to practice new shots and tactics and develop a more complete game. So instead of being disappointed that you didn’t receive a higher rating, embrace the opportunity to practice during your competition. The ideal formula for wins/losses is 33% win, 33% lose, and 33% of your matches to go either way. Lastly, remember that you are always “more” than a number.