How fast can my KNLTB rating go up?

It depends on how many official matches you play and against whom. Each match has an upper and lower limit, so progress is gradual.

Does losing to a stronger player cost a lot?

Usually not. Losing to a stronger opponent costs relatively little. Losing to a weaker opponent costs more.

Do doubles count towards my singles rating?

No. Singles and doubles each have their own rating. In doubles the average of each pair counts.

Where can I see my current rating?

In MijnKNLTB, in your club's ClubApp or via your digital membership card.

Rating, playing strength and ranking: the overview

Improve your KNLTB rating: a smart approach

Your rating goes up when you win matches, but which matches you play makes a big difference. Here is how to improve your rating step by step, without losing enjoyment or confidence.

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

Last reviewed on 14 November 2026

What makes your rating go up or down?

After every official match the KNLTB adjusts your rating. A win moves it up, a loss moves it down. How much depends on your opponent: beating a stronger player gains more, losing to a weaker player costs more. There is an upper and lower limit, so one match never turns your rating upside down.

In doubles the average of each pair counts. You and your partner rise or fall by the same amount. Singles and doubles each have their own rating.

Choose the right matches

Always keep playing your own category: that builds rhythm and gives you matches you are expected to win.
Add one stronger category now and then for a challenge, not instead of your own level.
As a 359 guideline: winning about 60% of your matches over time puts you in a healthy development zone. This is not a KNLTB rule.

Top 5 tips for a higher rating

1
Play enough official matches
League play plus a few tournaments per season gives your rating a reliable base.
2
Win the matches you are expected to win
Losing to a weaker opponent costs relatively a lot. Consistency often pays off more than one big upset.
3
Take one learning point from every match
For example your second serve or your return. Work on it with your coach.
4
Give doubles attention
A regular partner and clear agreements on positions and serve help you both.
5
Look at periods, not single matches
One loss says little. Judge your rating over a block of matches.

Common mistakes

Only playing stronger tournaments and mostly losing.
Avoiding matches out of fear of a lower rating.
Checking your rating after every match instead of looking at your game.

Season plan

1
Start of the season
Check your rating in MijnKNLTB and pick two or three training goals.
2
During the season
Plan league play and tournaments in your own category, with a stronger category now and then.
3
End of the season
Review with your coach what worked. In November your rating helps decide your playing strength for next year.

Want to play more matches? Read how to choose a tournament and prepare.

Prepare for your tournament

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 playing strength

When your playing strength changes and what it means for league play and tournaments.

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.