JTT Levels of Play

The JTT Levels of Player are expected to be followed to the best of each coordinator’s ability. Having teams participate in the correct level helps make for a better experience for everyone! A blatant variance from this guide will be reviewed by the Junior Recreation Committee.

Levels of Play Printout

Levels

Beginner
Lower Intermediate
Upper Intermediate
Advanced

Ball Type by Division

Beginner (BEG)

  • General Experience – Entering competition for the first time.
  • Game Strategy – Just learning to play and primarily working on getting the ball into play.
  • Movement & Footwork – Understands correct positioning when returning or serving. Lacks court recognition after point has started.
  • Ball Control & Placement – Consistent hitting soft paced loopy balls. Does not have intended placement or direction.
  • Strokes – Still developing basic mechanics of hitting forehands, backhands and serves.
  • Net Play – Can make contact with the ball when at the net.
  • Serve – Able to serve some balls into the correct box from the baseline.
  • Consistency – Inconsistent but can sometimes sustain a slow-paced rally with someone of the same ability.

Lower Intermediate (INT LO)

  • General Experience – Prior match experience including JTT & some entry-level or circuit tournaments.
  • Game Strategy – Lacks shot anticipation on returns and therefore can only react.
  • Movement & Footwork – Lacks ability to anticipate and therefore has difficulty covering the court. Limited footwork.
  • Ball Control & Placement – Consistent when hitting medium paced shots but lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power.
  • Strokes – Not comfortable with all strokes including volleys, lobs, overheads and approach shots.
  • Net Play – Can volley slower paced balls on both forehand and backhand side.
  • Serve – (5 out of 10 times). Limited double-faults.
  • Consistency – Fairly consistent hitting medium paced shots within reach. Difficulty ending points.

Higher Intermediate (INT HI)

  • General Experience – Extensive match  experience and some success with Level 7 tournaments.
  • Game Strategy – Has an idea of what game strategy to use but lacks ability to fully execute game plan.
  • Movement & Footwork – Can cover the court well but may make errors because of timing and footwork.
  • Ball Control & Placement – Improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots.
  • Strokes – Comfortable with all strokes. Player needs to improve control of height, depth, direction and speed.
  • Net Play – Can volley medium paced balls and return with directional intent.
  • Serve – Player is developing more spin and power on the first serve and seldom double-faults.
    (7 out of 10 times)
  • Consistency – Consistent hitting medium paced shots but may error when opponent uses varying pace, depth and spins.

Advanced (ADV)

  • General Experience – Playing Level 5, 6 and 7 tournaments with some success.
  • Game Strategy – Can attempt to vary game plan according to their opponents & can successfully execute strategy.
  • Movement & Footwork – Can easily make adjustments to footwork and swing to execute a return.
  • Ball Control & Placement – Dependable strokes including directional intent, depth, spin and pace.
  • Strokes – Can control depth of shots, pace, and use various spins.
  • Net Play – Aggressive net play.
  • Serve – Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve with accuracy.
  • Consistency – Can consistently return a variety of spins and paces from various depths with control.

Ball Type by Division