What is the difference between playing strength and rating?

Your rating is an exact number that changes after every match. Your playing strength is a whole number from 9 to 1, set once a year based on your rating.

Can I play in a lower tournament category?

No. You enter your own category or a stronger one. The exact conditions are in the tournament announcement.

Can my playing strength go down?

Yes. A consistently lower rating is also taken into account in the annual review.

Rating, playing strength and ranking: the overview

KNLTB playing strength: when and how it goes up

Your playing strength is a whole number from 9 (beginner) to 1 (professional). It does not change after every match, but once a year. Here is how that works and what a step up means for you.

By 359.tennis Coaching Team · Gediplomeerd coachteam · NTC / TV De Kegel

Last reviewed on 14 November 2026

When is your playing strength set?

The KNLTB sets your playing strength at the end of the season based on your rating. Your new playing strength is announced in November and applies from January to December of the following year.

Singles and doubles each have their own playing strength. New members get a playing strength when they join, set by their club's membership administration.

How your rating translates into playing strength

Your rating updates all year after every official match. At the end of the season the KNLTB checks whether your playing strength still matches your rating. A consistently better rating can lead to a step up, for example from 7 to 6.

Want a better playing strength? Work on a consistently better rating across the whole season.
One-off highs count for less than a run of good results.

What does a better playing strength mean?

Tournaments: you enter your own category or a stronger one. A weaker category than your playing strength is not allowed.
League play: the players' playing strengths decide how strong a team is and the line-up order.
You play stronger opponents more often. That is challenging, and at first you may win less.

When not to rush upwards

A better playing strength is not a goal in itself. Players who rise too fast sometimes spend a year mostly losing matches, which costs enjoyment and confidence. At 359 we therefore also look at match rhythm, enjoyment and focus, not just the number.

Where can you see your playing strength?

Your playing strength and rating are shown in MijnKNLTB, in your club's ClubApp and on your digital membership card.

Not sure whether league play and tournaments suit you? Read when that step makes sense.

From recreational to competitive

Sources: KNLTB: playing strength & rating (Dutch) · KNLTB: full DSS explanation (PDF, Dutch). KNLTB rules always take precedence.

More on the KNLTB

Overview and calculation

The difference between rating, playing strength and ranking, and how your rating is calculated.

Higher rating

How to improve your rating with smart match choices and 5 tips.

KNLTB ranking

How the rankings for juniors, seniors and top players work.

From the rules to a higher playing strength: the 359 development path

Rules, training, matches and your KNLTB numbers belong together. Your rating follows your development, not the other way round.

359's advice

How much should you train?: Once a week keeps your game going and makes it fun. To make noticeable progress, train twice a week. For match-focused players, three or more sessions fit an Academy programme.
With whom?: Choose a qualified coach who gives you a clear learning goal each season and makes your progress visible. A regular group at your level helps more than one-off lessons.
How many matches?: Play league matches and add a few tournaments each season, mainly in your own category. Matches you can win build confidence and rhythm.
For your child?: For children, fun and technique come before the number. Let your child go through the red, orange and green colour stages first. Official matches follow naturally.