Skill level descriptions

Learning the basics.
If you find this section relatable, we recommend searching for courses that teach you the fundamentals of volleyball.

Player traits

• I haven't played volleyball consistently for very long - maybe around a year

• I may or may not know all of the rules, techniques, and basic gameplay ideas (passing, setting, hitting)

• I am able to serve the ball over the net around 75% of the time or less

• I occasionally do any of the following:

  • Forget to block

  • Jump into the net or the opponent's side when hitting or blocking

  • Let the ball hit the ground without going down to floor level to reach for it

  • Use my feet to play the ball

  • Put the ball back over the net instead of setting it

Gameplay traits

• Rallies are short and commonly end due to player faults or an upwards delivered ball falling flat on the ground

• The game is more about "surviving" and getting the ball back to the other side instead of actually attacking

Looking to improve

• Learning the game (rules, techniques, how to position on the court)

Hobby level volleyball.

Player traits

• I have played recreational volleyball for potentially years now without consistently training my technical skills

• I know practically all of the rules, basic techniques, and how to play games with a middle setter in the front court

• I am able to serve the ball over the net more than 75% of the time

• I understand how the Beginner (E) actions listed in red in negatively affect the game and avoid doing them

Gameplay traits

• Rallies last significantly longer, and both sides consistently use three touches to build an attack hit

• Blocking and spiking is common, but so are technical attack faults

• Teams typically play with a middle setter and switch roles according to their positions on the court

Looking to improve

• Mastering the fundamental techniques

Still hobby level volleyball but with reasonable amount of control, to the point that the player may start learning more advanced volleyball systems and concepts and specializing in them.

Player traits

• I have played volleyball for years and focused on consistently training my technical skills

• I have a thorough understanding of the rules

• I am proficient at passing, setting, hitting, and blocking

• I am able to pass serves to the setter consistently

• I defend and communicate actively

• I am able to serve the ball over the net more than 90% of the time

• I have good sportsmanship and encourage other players on the court

Gameplay traits

• Ball control related faults are rare: points aren't given for free, they have to be earned

Looking to improve

• Learning and understanding the higher level volleyball systems

• Maturing - realizing the need to master specific elements of the game to become a reliable volleyball player

The lowest level that can be considered competitive volleyball.
Essentially a stepping stone between Intermediate (C) and Upper-Intermediate (B) levels stating that the player is starting to push for true effectiveness but hasn't quite met all the requirements yet.

Player traits

• I meet and exceed all of the traits in the previous tier

• I meet many but not all of the traits in the next tier

• I know of and can play at least one role in the 5-1 and base defense systems

• I know how to pass the ball into the target zone

• I am able to controllably deliver and/or pass more hard-driven attacks

• I have good sportsmanship and an improvement-focused mindset

Gameplay traits

• Teams typically play with the 5-1 or 6-2 systems

• Sets are typically fairly precise but lack the consistency for reliable faster offenses

• Attacks are typically either controlled or powerful (full arm swing motion) but not both

• Back row attacks are utilized when needed but not as a reliable tool to score points

Looking to improve

• Refining areas of gameplay to reach the Upper-Intermediate (B) level

Volleyball maturity - the player is well-rounded, functional, consistent, and reliable in all aspects of the game.
The highest level of play without an improved physique.

Player traits

• I know all of the technical rules of the game

• I fully understand how to run the 5-1 and base defense systems

• I fully understand all of the different types of sets and tempos to all hitting positions

• I am proficient at covering the court defensively during a serve, hit, or when covering my hitters

• I actively read the game and position accordingly

• I am proficient at passing serves consistently to the outer target zone

• I am able to controllably deliver and pass hard-driven attacks as well as tips

• I am able to play multiple positions effectively

• I utilize efficient attack approach and blocking footwork

• I have high sportsmanship, team spirit, and ownership over my own game

Gameplay traits

• Teams play smart and consistent volleyball with (typically) the 5-1 or 6-2 systems

• Sets may be slow or fast - whatever works best for the team and the situation

• Attacks are both controlled and powerful

• Back row attacks are a reliable tool to score points

• Defensive play and blocking is refined and adaptive to the opponent's game

Looking to improve

• Improving physical and mental attributes

• Moving from the base game into faster tempo and more explosive volleyball

Superb and highly athletic players who embody the greatest aspects of the game.

Player traits

• I meet and exceed all of the traits in the previous tier

• I excel at my role, e.g.

  • I am able to consistently hit/set multiple different types of sets from/to all hitting positions

  • I am able to consistently pass hard-driven serves/attacks to the inner target zone

• I embody athleticism, mental strength, and team-orientedness

Gameplay traits

• Teams play smart, consistent, fast, and explosive volleyball with (typically) the 5-1 or 6-2 systems

• Teams commonly utilize multiple offensive plays in their regular toolkit

Looking to improve

• Building the skillset and routine towards professional levels

Professional levels of volleyball, National (A) / International (A+).
Elaborating on the traits required for professional volleyball is not particularly relevant - the player simply needs to meet the level and time investment demands of a professional volleyball team, which may vary.