Signing up for your first tennis tournament should feel exciting. Instead, for many recreational players, it becomes stressful the moment you see the question: beginner or intermediate?
If you have ever searched online, you have probably seen endless debates and posts asking the same thing. Players worry about entering the wrong level, getting crushed, or accidentally ending up in a league where they do not belong.
The truth is, you do not need a perfect rating to make a good choice. You just need a clear way to think about your game.
After reading this, you'll
- Understand what tournament levels actually represent
- Know the difference between beginner and intermediate in practical terms
- Be able to choose your first tournament level with confidence
- Avoid the most common mistakes new players make
Looking for the right level to start competing
Champfy helps you find flex leagues and tournaments that match your experience so your first competition feels challenging, not discouraging.
Why choosing a level feels so confusing
Most recreational players do not train in structured programs. They play with friends, join clinics, or hit casually at the club. Because of that, labels like beginner and intermediate feel vague.
On forums like Reddit, many players ask the same question in different ways. They are not trying to game the system. They just want fair matches and a good experience.
That is exactly how you should approach your first tournament. Not as a test of ego, but as a starting point.
What tournament levels really mean
Tournament levels are not about how hard you hit the ball. They are about consistency, control, and match awareness.
Think of levels as a way to group players who can sustain rallies and handle similar situations on court.
Beginner level: who it is for
Beginner tournaments are designed for players who are still building reliability.
You are likely a good fit for beginner if most of these apply:
- You can rally a few balls but points end quickly
- You miss often under pressure
- Serves and returns are inconsistent
- You are still learning basic positioning and scoring
- You have little or no tournament experience
Entering beginner is not a step backward. It is how most players learn what competition actually feels like.
Intermediate level: who it is for
Intermediate tournaments assume a higher baseline of consistency.
You may be ready for intermediate if most of these apply:
- You can sustain rallies from the baseline
- You control direction more often than power
- You can serve and return reliably
- You understand basic patterns like crosscourt vs down the line
- You have played matches regularly, even if informally
Intermediate does not mean advanced. It simply means you can play structured points without constant errors.
The most common mistake new players make
Many players choose a level based on fear. Some are afraid of losing badly, so they enter too low. Others worry about being judged, so they enter too high.
Both choices can lead to frustration.
A better rule is this: choose the level where you expect to win some points, lose some points, and learn something in every match.
A simple way to decide
Ask yourself these three questions honestly:
- Can I keep the ball in play under pressure?
- Do I understand basic match situations?
- Have I played real sets, not just casual hitting?
If you answer no to most of these, start at beginner.
If you answer yes to most of these, intermediate is reasonable.
Remember, your first tournament is about experience, not results.
What happens if you choose the wrong level
This is less dramatic than people think.
If you enter too low, you will likely be moved up quickly.
If you enter too high, you will get clear feedback on what to improve.
Either way, the system adjusts over time. One tournament does not define your level.
How flex leagues make this easier
Flex leagues remove much of this pressure. Instead of a single elimination event, you play multiple matches over time against players near your level.
This gives you room to adjust, learn, and settle into competition without feeling rushed or judged.
On Champfy, tennis levels are explained in simple terms so players can self-select confidently and move up naturally as they improve.
Still unsure where you fit?
Our Find your rating skill level guide on the flex leagues page walks you through categories from novice to expert and helps you choose the right level for your first league or tournament.
Start competing with confidence
Your first tournament should be motivating, not intimidating. Champfy helps you choose the right level and find matches that help you grow.