Membership requirements for HSTA include a minimum playing ability of 3.5 level. Listed below is an explanation of rating categories from the NTRP from which we evaluate our guests. Should you have any questions regarding your level of play with our group, feel free to call our membership director at (713) 867-3401 or come watch us play on a Saturday or Sunday evening and then join us afterwards for dinner at an area restaurant.

This player has played a limited amount but is still working primarily on getting the ball over the net; has some knowledge of scoring but is not familiar with basic positions and procedures for singles and doubles play.

This player may have had some lessons but needs on court experience; has obvious stroke weaknesses but is beginning to feel comfortable with singles and doubles play.

This player has more dependable strokes but is still unable to judge where the ball is going; has weak court coverage; is still working just to keep the ball in play with others of the same ability level.

This player can place shots with moderate success; can sustain a rally of slow pace but is not comfortable with all strokes; lacks consistency in serving.

This player still lacks stroke dependability, depth and variety but has improved ability to direct shots away from opponent; rarely double faults but does not usually force errors on the serve; hits forehand and backhand volleys with consistency if the ball is within reach.

This player has dependable strokes on both forehand and backhand sides; has the ability to use a variety of shots including lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys; can position in a doubles game.

This player has begun to master the use of power and spins; has sound footwork; can control depth of shots and is able to move opponent up and back; can hit first serves with above average power and accuracy and place the second serve; is able to rush net with some success on serve against players of similar ability.

This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volley, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most second serves.

This player has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hits dependable shots in a stress situation.