LTA - CONFUSING!

[CoastalWave]

Is it just me?!

There's about 5 different ways to log on and I've managed to even 'lose' one of my children that I have definitely registered at some point.

Who actually runs this! If you're reading this, sort out your website.

Anyway. Reason for actual post - daughter has just started playing tennis. I do not understand the gradings/ratings systems at all. Could anyone please explain it in idiot terms to us?

No one on Mumsnet plays tennis?! Shameless bump...

Hi

The LTA website was always a bit rubbish but when they changed it a couple of years ago it went from bad to worse!! At least you used to be able to check out the details of the players, now you have to physically search for them by name!

I've had this screenshot for a few years now when my daughter played mini tennis and I found this really useful. Hopefully nothing's changed in this respect!

Ronnie

Hi, what age is your daughter? As the calendar year they are born dictates what colour ball they play. It is not school year.

There is no longer Orange 4, 3, 2,1 etc.

So if born in 2013, they are an Orange ball player, 9U. ( can play up an age group.) if 2012 they are Green ball 10U. If born 2014 they are a red ball player.

The competitions are graded. So a grade 7 is at local club. I think, my children never played G7. Grade 6 has no ranking points. Grade 5 and above gives children Orange ball or older ranking points. The top three competitions your child plays in 6 months are their ranking points. So if win a G5 they get 75 points. Also those points and recent form are used to get into the higher grade competitions. But if there is space at a G4 or G3 your child can get in, even if inexperienced or low points, if lots apply, lower ranked players less likely to get into the competition.

My first child started competitions as played for local club, then they suggested I enter said child for a local minired competition. It was fun, so looked for more. Did a couple of grade 6’s and then moved to G5. When moved to Orange started with G5, then did and G3. Any that were quite local we entered! Was not until child got to green started travelling more. At yellow ball travelled further for G3’s.

Any questions I can do my best to answer.

@CoastalWave hope your daughter has lots of fun.

@CoastalWave

A Grade 3 has 250 points for a win, 190 for second place, 155 for third, 140 for fourth, then depends on how many in the competition as to what points the rest of the field gets.

A Grade 4 has 125 points for a win, 95 for second.

A Grade 5 has 75 points for a win.

If play orange or green ball and
play a Grade 5 competition or higher, your child will get points, even if last. Top 3 competitions are added together and form their ranking points. Slightly different at yellow ball.

There is also a World Tennis Number, but only if born 2011 or older currently. Linked to matches played etc.

Gosh, that strikes me as rather complicated.

Why not just play for fun at your local club, get a coach in for a weekly session before getting bogged down in this stuff?

Although perhaps that's more about me than the LTA as obviously many people enjoy the approach