Demystifying ALTA: The Ultimate Guide to Joining Atlanta’s Biggest Tennis League (2026)
Last updated: January 2026
If you are new to tennis in Atlanta, you have probably noticed a strange phenomenon: players walking around with colorful plastic tags dangling from their tennis bags. They aren't luggage tags. They are status symbols. Welcome to ALTA, the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, and the driving force behind the city's tennis obsession.
What exactly is ALTA?
With over 70,000 members, ALTA is the largest local tennis league in the world. Unlike USTA leagues which are tournament-focused or national, ALTA is hyper-local to metro Atlanta. It is famous for its "Bag Tag" culture—if your team wins your division, every player receives a plastic bag tag. It sounds simple, but in Atlanta, earning a bag tag is a badge of honor that people chase for decades.
Every season culminates in the "City Finals," where the top two teams in the entire city for their level compete. Winning City Finals gets you the biggest, most coveted plate (trophy) in Atlanta amateur sports.
Understanding the Levels (A, B, C)
ALTA does not use the USTA 3.0/4.0 rating system directly. Instead, they use letter grades. Here is how they generally translate so you know where you fit in:
| ALTA Level | USTA Approx. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AA (1-3) | 4.5 - 5.0+ | Elite. Former D1 college players and teaching pros. |
| A (1-9) | 4.0 - 4.5 | Advanced. Consistent serving and strategic doubles play. |
| B (1-9) | 3.0 - 3.5 | Intermediate. The largest pool of players in Atlanta. |
| C (1-9) | 2.5 - 3.0 | Beginner/Recreational. Great for getting started. |
How to Join a Team (The "Free Agent" Problem)
This is where most new players get stuck. You cannot just sign up for ALTA individually. You must be added to a team roster. ALTA is neighborhood-based, meaning teams are formed out of subdivisions (like Vinings, Dunwoody, or Buckhead) or tennis centers (like Bitsy Grant or Blackburn).
Steps to find a team:
- Find your "Home" Courts: Go to the tennis center nearest your house.
- Check the Bulletin Board: almost every center has a "Players Wanted" flyer.
- Take a Clinic: This is the best way. Join a drill session, show your skills, and ask the other players if their team needs a sub.
The "Sandbagging" Rules
Unlike other leagues, ALTA has strict rules about lineups to prevent "sandbagging" (playing a pro on a lower line to guarantee a win). Your lineup is based on strength. If you put your best players on Line 5, and they win while your Line 1 loses, you can be challenged and disqualified.
Because ALTA is strictly Doubles (Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed), chemistry matters more than raw power. This is why many teams practice their doubles strategy year-round, regardless of the weather.
The Mixed Doubles season runs through winter. Atlanta winters are mild, but if it rains, matches get delayed. Check out our Guide to Indoor Courts in Atlanta if you need a backup plan.
Ready to earn your Bag Tag?
The difference between a B-level player and an A-level player is often just strategy and consistency. At Golden Racket Academy, we specialize in ALTA-specific coaching—teaching you the poaching movements, formations, and serve placements that win lines.