Level Guidelines

Advanced Intermediate

Consistently serves “in” and is able to return deep, power serve
Rarely swings and misses a shot
Knows when to make some specific placed shots in the game
Working on mixing up soft shots with power shots to create an advantage
Hits fewer balls out or in the net
Able to sustain dinking in the game
Plays more consistently in all phases of game
Anticipates opponents shots resulting in good court position
Primarily plays offensively
Puts strategy into play in the game
Works and moves well with partner – easily switches court positions when required
Very comfortable playing at non-volley-zone. Works with partner to control the zone, keeping opponents back and driving them off line
Can block volleys directed at them
Has good footwork and moves laterally, backward and forward with ease
Executes drop shots

Advanced Beginners/Intermediate

Able to serve “in” more regularly; return of serve may be inconsistent
Knows where to stand on court during serve, receive and general play
Aware of soft game and occasionally tries to dink
Makes longer lasting slow paced rallies
Court coverage improving, including playing at non-volley zone
Demonstrates improved skills with all the basic shot strokes and shot placements but lacks control when trying for direction, depth or power on shots
Hits to weak side of opponent
Demonstrates more strategies of playing during games
With varying consistency executes: lobs, forehand/backhand ground strokes, overheads, net volleys, and sustained dinking
Starting to use drop shots in order to get to the net

Novice/Beginner/Newer players

Has minimal knowledge of the game
Learning how to serve
Demonstrating the basic shot strokes forehand, volley, overhead and the serve, but has obvious weaknesses in strokes.
Learning to play the game, scoring, basic rules
Occasionally misses the ball entirely
May have trouble with the non-volley zone a.k.a. (the kitchen) and does not have court awareness
Accuracy is variable
Sustains a short rally with players of equal ability
Familiar with court position in doubles play