3.5 Vs 4.0 Tennis Ratings: [Differences Explained!]

Tennis is a sport that requires skill, determination, and strategy. There are also different ratings present in tennis, that can distinguish between different players.

2 of the most common ratings are 3.5 and 4.0 ratings. But people seem to be very confused about how big the gap is between these 2 ratings. 

So, what are the differences between a 3.5 vs 4.0 tennis rating? 

Between a 3.5 player and a 4.0 player, the 4.0 player can deliver better services. A 4.0 player has more power, spin, variety, and better form in their shots. However, the 3.5 player has a weak form, and less power, spin, and variety. The 3.5 players can do the forehand stroke, but not the backhand stroke. 

This is only a briefing of the entire article. Read till the end to properly differentiate and understand the ratings!

3.5 Vs 4.0 Tennis: A Short Comparison

Before heading into the main discussion, a short comparison will help you look at the bigger picture. Inspect the chart below to look at the key differences-

Now that you’ve had a glance at the short comparison, you’re ready for the details! In the next segment, I’ve elaborated on these key differences, keep reading!

3.5 Vs 4.0 Tennis: An Elaborated Comparison

By this point, you’ve gone over the key differences. Now I’ll be providing more information on those key aspects. Keep reading!

Service:

Between the 3.5 and 4.0 tennis players, the 4.0 has better services and more varieties. Services are one of the most important aspects of your tennis gameplay. Since a tennis game is started with a service, it carries a lot of importance. 

A 3.5 tennis player can serve well. However, there aren’t many varieties of the service. Tennis has countless services available. 

Some examples can be the kick serve, the underhand serve, the pancake serve, etc. Yet, these players master only 1 serve properly.

3.5 players that can win many points outright with their serve don’t return well. 3.5 players that can return well don’t win many points outright with their services. The form is also not perfect on 3.5 players.

On the other hand, a 4.0 tennis player has a lot of variety in their services. These players have 2 or more proficient services in their hands. 

Additionally, their services have more power and are accurate compared to the 3.5 players. One of the prominent reasons behind the solid services is the solid form the 4.0 have. Good form enhances their gameplay.

Power and Spins:

Between the 4.0 and 3.5 players, the 3.5 player has more powerful shots and better spin. 

In every tennis shot, power is the top factor that determines the difficulty of countering it. The more powerful a tennis shot is, the harder it gets to hit it back to the opponent. 

A 4.0 tennis player has decent power in their shots. They have the maximum power on their serves and the regular shots are quite powerful too. Volleys, lobs, overheads, etc are hit with power and accuracy by these players. 

Additionally, back and sidespins are quite evident in their shots. 4.0 players are familiar with playing doubles as well. Net play is also good for 4.0 players because they can hit the balls around the net with force. It can be tough to defend that stroke.

On the contrary, although the 3.5 players have power in their shots, it’s not much in comparison. In such scenarios, restringing the racket with racket-stringing machines may help to land more powerful shots. 

The spin shots aren’t too well-adapted by the 3.5-tennis players either. 

This also reduces the effective net play of 3.5 players. These players become nervous when the ball is around the net.

These players are just learning to adjust to the changes between paces on the shots.  Some 3.5 players have consistency but they lack power. In such cases, powerful tennis rackets help the 3.5 players exert more power in their shots.

Furthermore, some 3.5 players who hit powerful shots aren’t consistent. The situation is similar with the volleys and approach shots as well. 3.5 players can’t volley, lob, or overhead accurately. They miss these shots much more compared to a 4.0 player.

Also when it comes to doubles, 3.5 players are only learning to play doubles. The lack of teamwork in doubles is quite clear in 3.5 players.

Backhand and Forehand Strokes:

Tennis shots can be played via forehand or backhand. Both 3.5 and 4.0 players are good at forehand strokes. But, a backhand stroke of 3.5 players is weak while 4.0 players have a strong one. 

Both backhand and forehand strokes can be played by a 4.0 tennis player. This improves their gameplay as they can counter more shots in unfortunate situations. On top of that, the accuracy of these strokes is quite on point as well.

For the 3.5 players, the forehand strokes are good. Their forehand strokes are also confident and strong. However, the backhand strokes of a 3.5 player are not as good as a 4.0. Tennis overgrips are known to help with backhand strokes.

These players have not yet mastered the stages of a backhand stroke, so it’s still in development. 

Court Coverage and Movement:

In terms of covering the tennis court and movement, the 4.0 players are better. Court coverage can really alter a tennis player’s rating. Movement is equally important alongside court coverage. 
For 3.5 players, hitting strokes while maintaining directional control is tough. These players tend to return the stroke at the center of the court. That way, the challenge lessens for the enemies.

Also, 3.5 players can’t fully alter the distance of their shots. It’s tough for them to hit a ball right where they want to hit it. The shots lack depth and variety as well. That’s why they can cover less of the court.

Also, minimal movement is required for minimal court coverage. The more coverage a player has, the more he/she has to move. The movement of a 3.5 player also indicates a defensive style of play.

On the other hand, the 4.0 players can alter the distance of their shots. The strokes of these players are far more accurate when compared to the 3.5 players. Even when it’s really windy for tennis, these players retain control over the tennis ball!

Additionally, these players have more directional control. This means that they have more control and court coverage when hitting the ball left and right. 

This in turn improves their movement. Proper tennis gear (especially tennis shoes) is needed for easing the movement. 

They don’t hit the ball down the middle, the majority of the time like the 3.5 players. Their shots have depth as well. Overall, a 4.0 always tries to go offensive, taking all the chances to attack their opponent.

 3.5 Vs 4.0 Tennis: What is the Distinction?

After reading all this information, you may need a small briefing to tidy up the differences. 

A 3.5 rating is decent in tennis. You can expect consistent and proper forehand strokes from them. They have moderate power, spin, and form and play their game in a defensive style. The net play of 3.5 players is good, but not better than the 4.0 players.

However, they lack variety in shots and services. Also, the 3.5 players have reduced court coverage and inadequate movement. They also are inexperienced in playing doubles and backhand strokes. 

The form, movement, and court coverage are very good for 4.0 players. Additionally, players with this are only starting with playing doubles. They have better spin, power, and a variety of services when compared to a 3.5 player. 

Moreover, they can play both backhand and forehand strokes. These players have better movement because of their positioning and are very consistent. Also, better movement results in better net play for the 4.0 players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a 9.0 tennis rating?

A 9.0 tennis rating indicates players who are upper-level collegiate players. Whether it is a 9.0 or 10.0, the distinction is the same. Areawise, the 9.0 players are the best. Also, if they’re in junior teams, they will likely play in NCAA tennis.

Is being a tennis player hard?

Yes, being a tennis player and learning how to play tennis properly can be hard. Tennis requires a lot of skills such as speed, strength, flexibility, hand-eye coordination, etc. There are different types of services, spins, varieties of shots, etc. Mastering these skills can be a tough challenge. 

Is 30 too old to play tennis?

No, age 30 is not too old to play tennis. In fact, in tennis, there are no age boundaries or cut-offs. You can play tennis as a kid, as an adult, or much later in life. You can enjoy and play tennis whenever you want. It will be a bit harder to play professional tennis as your age increases, but it’s possible too!

Endnote

That’s all the differences you need to know between a 3.5 vs 4.0 tennis rating. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your rating, try playing with an opponent who has a 0.5-1 rating surplus. This’ll allow your skills to develop quickly and improve your tennis rating!

Good luck!