Skill level descriptions

Getting the hang of the basics.

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

Gameplay traits

• Rallies most often end due to player faults or the ball falling flat on the ground

• Sometimes players just put the ball back over the net instead of passing or setting

• Blocking and spiking is uncommon

Looking to improve

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

Playing is fun but not too serious.

Player traits

• I have played volleyball consistently for some time - maybe around three years

• I know most of the rules, and how to play games with a middle setter and rotating positions

• I know how to pass, set, hit, and block the ball without faulting (e.g. touching the net or crossing the middle line)

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

Gameplay traits

• Teams typically play with a middle setter and rotating positions

• Players have a rough or a good idea how to position and move for the ball

• Players commonly look to pass, set, and hit, but attack faults are still somewhat common

• Blocking and spiking is common

Looking to improve

• Mastering the fundamentals

• Maturing - understanding my (current) limits as a player and playing accordingly

Fluency in volleyball fundamentals.

Player traits

• I have played volleyball consistently for years

• 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 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

• Teams typically play with a middle setter or the 4-2 system

• Players move, defend, and communicate actively

• 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

Looking for higher levels of play but still having areas to work on before reaching true effectiveness.

Player traits

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

• Offensive play typically consists of slow sets

• Attacks are typically already quite powerful

• Back row attacks are utilized when needed

Looking to improve

• Refining player-specific areas of gameplay

Volleyball maturity - high consistency and effectiveness in all aspects of the game.

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 am proficient at passing serves consistently to the outer target zone

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

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

• Teams play smart and consistent volleyball with no glaring issues or weaknesses

• Attacks are delivered with a lot of power and control

• Back row attacks are consistent

Looking to improve

• Improving physical and mental attributes

• Reaching highly refined levels of consistency

Superb and highly athletic players capable of executing advanced systems.

Player traits

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

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

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

• I embody athleticism, mental strength, consistency, and team oriented spirit

Gameplay traits

• Teams typically play with the 5-1 system

• Teams play smart, accurate, fast, and explosive volleyball

• Back row attacks and potential complex offenses are fast and delivered with high power and consistency

Looking to improve

• Further refining specific areas of gameplay

Professional levels of volleyball (A / A+).