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What level am I?

Our adult courses run in six levels so you only ever play with people at your standard. Most new players start at Level 1, 2 or 3. Read the checks and pick the first level where you can't tick all three.

The one-minute versionNever played, or not for years → Level 1. Can rally a few shots but it falls apart → Level 2. Rally 5+ shots and serve in → Level 3. Topspin, pace and 10-shot rallies → Level 4 or 5. Match player with spin and variety → Level 6.
Level 1

Beginners

New to tennis, or picking it up again after a long break.

  • You've never had lessons, or only a handful
  • You can't yet keep a rally going on your own
  • You want the basics taught properly in a friendly group

You'll work on: grips, forehand, backhand, serve and simple rallies, with game play from the first week. Book Level 1 ›

Level 2

Beginner to Improver

You've done a beginners course or two and want to lock it in before stepping up.

  • You can rally a few shots, but not consistently
  • Your serve goes in some of the time
  • You know the shot shapes but they fall apart under pace

You'll work on: consistent rallying, reinforcing technique, playing points. Book Level 2 ›

Level 3

Improvers

The most common starting point for people who have played before.

  • You can rally 5 or more shots with basic technique
  • You can serve with consistency
  • You've done at least two 6-week beginners courses, or played before

You'll work on: topspin groundstrokes, reading the ball early, footwork and balance. Book Level 3 ›

Level 4

Improver to Intermediate

Rallying is reliable; now it's about doing it faster without losing control.

  • You hit with topspin consistently for 5 to 10 shots
  • You can return faster balls and add some pace of your own
  • You've completed the Improvers course more than once

You'll work on: handling pace, adding speed to your own shots, efficient movement. Book Level 4 ›

Level 5

Intermediate

Good foundations, correct grips, and you can hold a baseline rally at a decent pace.

  • You rally from the baseline for 5 to 10 shots at a good pace
  • You use the correct grips without thinking about it
  • You're new to us but can produce and return pace consistently

You'll work on: pace, patterns of play, point construction. Book Level 5 ›

Level 6

Intermediate to Advanced

Our highest level. If you're not sure, try Level 5 first.

  • You produce good speed and can vary your pace
  • You play with a variety of spins
  • You play matches regularly

You'll work on: tactics, variety, competitive play. Book Level 6 ›

Still not sure?

Book the lower of the two levels you're between. Coaches move players up during a term when it's the right fit, and a weekend intensive is a good way to test a level in one afternoon before committing to six weeks.

Questions about your level? Email admin@lifetimetennis.co.uk and tell us how you play. We'll point you to the right group.

Questions about levels

I've never played. Which level?

Level 1. It assumes nothing and gets you rallying in the first few weeks. If you played a lot as a child but not since, Level 2 can work too; if in doubt, start at Level 1.

I'm between two levels. Which do I book?

Book the lower one. Coaches move players up during a term when it's the right fit, and you'll get more out of six weeks of consistent rallying than six weeks of chasing balls.

Can I try a level before committing to a term?

Yes. A three-hour weekend intensive runs at a single level and is a good way to test where you sit in one afternoon.

Can I move up mid-term?

If there's space in the class above and the coach agrees, yes. Email admin@lifetimetennis.co.uk and we'll sort it.