Levels of Tennis (LOT)

Overview:
Below are descriptions of play at each level from LOT 0 to LOT 10. Read all categories carefully and then decide which one best describes your present ability level. Be certain that you qualify on all points of all preceding levels as well as those in the level you choose. It is important to note that in order for a player to be at a certain level, the player has to reach the competitive threshold with other rated players. 
LOT 0 (Bumper Ball): 
This level of play cannot play full court and may utilize modified games using multiple bounces, soft balls, and various racket orientation exercises. 
LOT 0+: 
There are 3 criteria to be LOT 0+. First, a player must be able to serve from the baseline. Second, a player must be able to return a serve that is hit from the baseline. And third, the player must be able to play the ball on one bounce. Players at this level are able to bump the ball over the net and keep a short rally going. They often have trouble with short balls, and often they stand just inside the baseline and get hurt by balls, which are at their feet (blind spot). 
LOT 1: 
There are many different tennis skills that describe LOT 1 players. Some players have few skills, but make up for it with their athleticism. Others are starting to develop defined strokes.
This Level players do a better job of anticipating the short shot compared to lower level players. They are also able to recover behind the baseline more frequently. A typical LOT 1 player can sustain long rallies, especially off the forehand side. Backhands are typically less well developed, but they seem able to defend well enough off the backhand side. Serving is reliable, but not powerful. 
LOT 1+: 
It is not unusual to see LOT 1+ players with very advanced, well-rounded skills. Often these players are showing signs of being able to volley and hit overheads, though with little power or decisiveness. Older LOT 1+ players are often able to compete despite not having acquired a good balance of well-defined tennis skills. 
LOT 2:
The adults at this level may be vulnerable in many areas, but will usually be able to do at least one thing fairly well. This may include a good slice backhand, decent serve, or a drop shot. Young juniors at the level are very good for their age, but still may have trouble with adults whose games are not at good as theirs. Many older LOT 2 juniors will improve and become more consistent if they simple play more tennis. Often players at this level have problems with technical development in certain areas. They may have good groundstrokes, but an odd looking serve for example. If they do have a good overall game, consistency and shot selection can be problematic. 
Court coverage and anticipation are well developed. These players are familiar with a wide variety of strokes and spins. At this stage players may be able to set points up using their serve. These players may often make tactical mistakes and throw away too many points. When they do rely on consistency, they may often underplay. While these players may have a lot variety in their games, they often do not possess the confidence to use their shots in close matches. This is all part of the game. Consistency still wins. 
LOT 2+: 
Players at this level usually have some outstanding characteristic in their game. They also typically have some part of their game, which does not hold up well under pressure. For example, a player may have good overhead technique, but often has problems executing in match play situations. They often do well in practice, but fail to perform in competition. 
LOT 3: 
Players at this level are very accomplished with fully developed games. They may range in age from 14 to 60 with the players at either extreme being very good for their age. LOT 3 players under the age of 15 will be a very solid talent. This will be the kind of players who have potential to play U.S. Collegiate Division 1 NCAA tennis or beyond. Adult LOT 3 players may have reached their peak, which they may maintain for a very long time. For an Adult LOT 3 to move beyond this level it often takes a tremendous commitment to fitness, practice, and play. Junior girls who have reached this level will normally have a national ranking and be preparing for Division 1 NCAA tennis. Players at this level may have technical problems in their games, but they have usually learned how to cope with these problems and compensate successfully in some way. 
LOT 4: 
There are generally fewer players who have reached this level than the levels below. These players are among the best players in an area. Junior players at these levels are highly likely to play U.S. Collegiate Division 1 NCAA tennis. Junior girls will be among the top players nationally. Adults at this level may maintain this standard into his or her fifties if they are sufficiently motivated. These are very talented individuals. Females at this level will be very accomplished. These players are often motivated by the “love of the game”. 
LOT 5 and LOT 6: 
Prize money events will motivate these players to continue to take their tennis seriously. Juniors who reach this level will be top ranked in Texas and also have significant national rankings. Most of the players who make up this category are former or current U.S. Collegiate Division 1 NCAA players in their twenties to early thirties. Only the most motivated and talented players in their thirties will maintain this level. Females at this level will be extraordinary and often will have professional experience. Local players who can exceed this level are either current U.S. Collegiate NCAA Division 1 players or are players who are contemplating playing professional tennis as a career. 
LOT 7 and LOT 8: 
This is the upper level U.S. Collegiate Division 1 male player, professional male and female players.
LOT 9 and LOT 10:
These are world-class players.