Understand the KNLTB rating — and progress more wisely
Your rating reflects match results, but not the full development story. At 359 we look at level, confidence, match rhythm, focus and sustainable progress.
Rating is feedback.
Progress is the goal.
A higher rating usually follows from a better balance between Fit, Fun and Focus — not from pressure alone.
By winning matches against equal or stronger players.
When you consistently lose to players at or below your level.
Based on result, opponent level and number of matches.
Play your own level and add controlled exposure one level higher.
This article explains the Dutch KNLTB rating system. From beginner level to rating 1 — how match points and rankings work and how to climb.
How the KNLTB rating works
The KNLTB uses a dynamic rating: a number with several decimals that can change after every official match. Alongside it sits the broader playing-strength scale (1-9) clubs use for competition. At season's end, your rating partly determines your playing strength for the next year.
How is your rating calculated?
Your rating changes after official matches. The basics:
- Match result — win or loss
- Opponent's level — beating a higher rating counts for more
- Number of matches played — more matches = more accurate rating
- Singles and doubles are separate — each has its own rating
When does your rating go up or down?
And more importantly: what does it mean for your development?
| Situation | Effect on rating |
|---|---|
| You beat a stronger player | Usually positive |
| You beat someone at your level | Stable to positive |
| You lose to a much stronger player | Often little impact |
| You lose often at your own level | May drop |
| You consistently play too high | Risk of decline |
Our advice: play your own level and seek controlled challenge
At 359 we advise players to always play at least at their own level. That gives rhythm, confidence and realistic match build-up. On top of that, playing one level higher can be valuable — as long as it fits your development.
Key rule: don't skip your own level.
For rhythm, confidence, match build-up and learning to win.
For challenge, adapting and handling higher pace.
Risk of excessive losses, frustration and less healthy progress.
The 60% guideline
A practical development guideline: if you win roughly 60% of your matches over a longer period, you're often in a healthy development zone. You're challenged but still get enough success. If you lose almost everything, you're probably playing too high. If you win almost everything, more challenge is logical.
This is a 359 development guideline, not an official KNLTB rule.
Rating versus progress
- • Short term
- • Only winning counts
- • Wanting to go higher too quickly
- • Pressure on numbers
- • Outcome thinking
- • Long term
- • Learning to win and lose
- • Building steps carefully
- • Confidence and rhythm
- • Fit · Fun · Focus
Fit · Fun · Focus and rating
A higher rating usually doesn't come from more pressure, but from a better balance between three pillars.
Physically ready to play many matches — energy, recovery, injury prevention.
Keeping motivation and enjoyment alive, even in tough moments. Enjoyment fuels development.
Learning from matches, making tactical choices and reflecting with your coach.
Step-by-step: healthy rating development
- 1Play official matches regularly
Match rhythm is the foundation. Plan tournaments or competition so you play enough official matches.
- 2Always play at your own level too
Don't skip your own level. It gives rhythm, confidence and realistic match build-up.
- 3Add controlled exposure to one level higher
One level up gives challenge and teaches you to handle pace, without losses dominating.
- 4Analyse losses without panic
Losing is part of development. Look for patterns: choices, pace, physical state, mental load.
- 5Train on recurring patterns
Translate match insights into concrete training goals with your coach.
- 6Build confidence with achievable matches
Make sure you play enough matches you can realistically win — confidence is a skill.
- 7Evaluate per period, not per single match
Judge progress across a block of matches. One win or loss rarely defines your level.
Frequently asked questions about the KNLTB rating
Want to apply these insights in practice?
What Our Players Say
Read experiences from players and parents who train at 359.tennis.
I tried three different tennis schools around Amsterdam before finding 359. The difference is night and day — structured lessons with a clear progression plan, not just hitting balls back and forth. My game has improved more in six months here than in two years elsewhere.
Dmitry Volkov
Expat — adult intermediate group
Bram had his first trial lesson last month and I was immediately convinced. The coach gave him a high-five afterwards and told him exactly what he did well. No pressure, just enthusiasm. We signed up for the full season right away.
Ingrid Thomassen
Moeder van Bram (7) — net begonnen
We started at 359.tennis as complete beginners. We wanted to learn tennis and have a regular weekly family activity. Now we take family group lessons together, and our daughter also trains in her own group. The best part is that it's not just a fun sport, but it truly strengthens our family bond.
Familie Nakamura
Familiegroepsles — samen als gezin tennissen
Facts about 359.tennis
Verifiable facts that distinguish 359.tennis as a professional tennis academy in the Amsterdam region.
- Our coaches are nationally or internationally qualified (e.g. KNLTB, ITF, PTA, PTR) and engage in continuous development through the 359 Coach approach.
- 359.tennis operates on 12 indoor and 14 outdoor courts at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Amstelveen — one of the largest and most professional tennis centres in the Netherlands.
- Founded in 2005, with over 20+ years of continuous experience in professional tennis coaching.
- Over 10.000+ players trained since founding — from complete beginners to competitive tournament players.
- The 359 Method is a proprietary development model based on the Fit · Fun · Focus™ principle, focused on both athletic and personal growth.
- Accessible from 15 municipalities including Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Amsterdam-Zuid, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer and Uithoorn.