1) Check your ITN number. The ITF designed International Tennis Number measures the skill of a tennis player on a scale of ten with Number 1 as the highest (pro level). If your ITN number is 8, you are 3.0 player under the USTA National Tennis Rating Plan. To find out your ITN, ask your coach about this.
2) Video-tape your strokes. Pictures don’t lie. So ask your friend or parent to video tape your swing motion. You can do both in fast and slow motion. In this manner, you will see for yourself how bad or good your form is. Sometimes, winning a 3.0 or 4.0 division event give the players the appearance that their strokes are already in order.
3) Get third party opinion. There are two reasons why you should need a third party opinion on the progress of your game. First, third party is not related to you and has nothing to do with your sensitivity. And second, he can therefore objectively provide you with his best assessment of your game. It is very tough for your close
friends to tell you the truth as it may hurt your feeling.
4) Rate your court performance. Have someone rate you in an actual match. The goal is to analyze your game overall. The analysis must include your shot selection process, your reaction to bad calls, your hits and misses, your composure under pressure, and the way you display your sportsmanship.
5) Join a higher division event. If you are a 3.0 player, try to join the 4.0 event. You will find right away if your current ranking can hold up to the pressure of the new division. Remember your goal is to determine how far your level is. And it is nothing to do with winning or losing.
