Mark	Lawn Tennis
9-10	Demonstrates correct technique - full range of strokes. Excellent variety oI ground strokes played at or behind baseline. Uses top spin and slice. Can perform full range of volleys including drop/stop volley, lob volley and half volley. Smashes are played with confidence showing power and accuracy. A variety of serves are demonstrated showing power and placement and effective use of topspin and slice. Able to demonstrate to a high standard the principles of movement, footwork, balance and readiness while watching ball. Exerts significant control over game. Shows outstanding level of skill, tactical awareness, making few unforced errors. A very accomplished player who plays with variation, depth and placement. Reacts quickly to the situation selecting the correct stroke according to opponent’s shot/position. Appreciates when to use spin and is able to counteract it. In doubles, interacts well with partner ensuring the whole of the court is covered at all times.
7-8	Demonstrates a good standard of technique while performing all basic strokes. A rally of forehand and backhand drives can be played from the baseline with evidence of some topspin and slice. Volleys are played confidently and show control and direction. Can smash with power and placement. Serves with correct technique good length and some power. Is able to lob with spin but is not always accurate. May attempt a drop shot with slice. Good range of strokes and tactics in evidence even under pressure in rallies. Shows some anticipation of opponent’s shots and ability to deceive. Moves well around court and prepares in plenty of time for return. Is able to vary play with regard to angle and depth with the effective use of spin. In doubles is aware of partner and anticipates movement in order to cover the court effectively.
5-6	Performs most basic strokes with a competent standard of technique, beginning to show good length and placement. However, backhand strokes lack necessary control and direction at times. Can play effective forehand and backhand volleys. Will use lobs to some effect, to avoid a player at the net. Serves are generally consistent though may lack power. Footwork is generally correct. Demonstrates a certain amount of control when under pressure of a game but may make a few unforced errors. Shows some understanding of positioning in attack and defence. Rallies demonstrate ability to anticipate opponent’s shot. Moves efficiently around court. Attempts to place shots varying the angle, although not always successful. In doubles is aware of partner but often repositions too late.
3-4	Able to play forehand basic strokes, including the volley, with a certain amount of control and direction although they lack depth. Backhand strokes are adversely affected by late preparation and poor footwork/movement. Service shows reasonable technique, sideways on and throwing action, although a little slow. A number of first serves are successful. There is no variation between the first and second serve. Can attempt a forehand lob but is not alWays accurate. Is unable to use spin successfully in any strokes. The candidate may exhibit some individual skills although these sometimes break down under the pressures of a game. Maintains mid-court rallies, showing some control and technique, particularly when playing forehand strokes. However, often loses rally due to unforced error. Has a good understanding of positioning at service but during a rally, fails to reposition especially when playing doubles. Has difficulty in playing basic strokes. Able to play forehand stroke from racquet or hand feed. Shots lack control, direction and depth.
1-2	Service in ‘pat’ style with limited control, square on position. Movement and footwork is poor. Uses incorrect grip in most strokes, particularly the serve. Has difficulty in maintaining a rally in a competitive situation. Understanding of tactics is poor; content just to get ball over the net. Unable to comprehend changes in tactics. Shows large degree of uncertainty. Participation in game minimal. Makes few returns. Needs guidance as to where to stand in the court at the service and which side to stand to serve/receive from. Unsure of scoring system and court markings for singles/doubles. Appears lost and confused at times.