Tennis Skill Level: Know Where You Stand and How to Get Better

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or pro‑type player, you’re not alone. Most players skip the step of figuring out their level and jump straight into drills that don’t match their ability. That’s a recipe for frustration and slow progress. In this guide we’ll break down the three main tennis skill levels, show you how to assess yourself, and give you practical tips to climb the ladder.

Identifying Your Current Tennis Level

Start with a quick self‑check. Do you know the basic rules, can you keep a rally going for a few shots, and do you feel comfortable on the court? If you answered yes, you’re likely a beginner. Beginners usually:

• Can hit forehand and backhand but lack consistency.
• Struggle with depth and direction.
• Rely on power rather than technique.

Intermediate players have steadied those basics. They can keep rallies longer, place shots with some control, and start using spin. Typical signs include:

• Consistent groundstrokes that stay in the court 70% of the time.
• Basic serve that lands in the service box but lacks speed.
• Ability to move around the court without getting out of breath.

Advanced players are those who can dictate play, use a variety of spins, and adjust tactics on the fly. Look for these traits:

• High percentage of first serves in and aggressive second serves.
• Effective use of angles, drop shots, and lobs.
• Consistent performance under pressure, like break points.

To get a more objective read, record a short match or practice session and compare your stats with the checklist above. Notice where you lose points most often – that’s where your level lies.

Tips to Move Up the Ladder

Now that you know where you sit, let’s talk about what you can do today to improve. First, focus on one skill at a time. Trying to perfect serve, volley, and footwork all in one week spreads your effort thin.

Beginners: Work on a consistent swing path. Use a wall or a ball machine and hit 50 forehands, then 50 backhands, aiming for the ball to land in a marked area. Consistency beats power.

Intermediates: Add spin. Practice topspin on your forehand – brush up the back of the ball, not just hit flat. Spin gives you more margin for error and forces opponents to react.

Advanced players: Play match simulations. Set up point scenarios (e.g., down 30‑40 on serve) and practice the exact shots you’d need. Mental rehearsal makes real‑game decisions faster.

Another universal tip: get a coach or a stronger partner for at least one session a week. Fresh eyes catch bad habits you can’t see yourself.

Don’t forget fitness. Tennis demands quick bursts and recovery. A simple 20‑minute interval routine – 30 seconds sprint, 30 seconds walk – three times a week improves court speed without a gym membership.

Finally, track progress. Keep a notebook or use a phone app to log what you practice, how many successful shots you hit, and where you still lose points. Seeing numbers improve keeps motivation high.

Remember, moving from beginner to intermediate or from intermediate to advanced isn’t a magic overnight switch. It’s a series of small wins – a more reliable forehand, a tighter serve, a smarter shot choice. Stick to the habit of regular practice, measure yourself, and you’ll watch your tennis skill level climb faster than you expect.