VOLLEYBALL IS LIFE;
EVERYTHING ELSE
IS DETAILS

SKILL LEVELS EXPLAINED

WhY SHOULD I CARE WHAT SKILL LEVEL I AM?

Playing at the skill level that suits you best makes for better gameplay and gives you a better experience on the court. Having a good understanding of your skill is the best way to improve as you can determine your weaknesses and strengths and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your game.

Are these skill levels universal?

Generally, yes, these levels are used sport wide. However, these levels can vary from organisation to organisation, and more so from country to country. The levels listed below are our own rating system which we use for training and open play sessions to help our players understand where they fit in.

EIGHT Fundamental SKILLS

Here is a rundown of six basic skills that we use to determine a players level.

  1. Free Ball Pass

    A free ball means that the ball coming over the net is not an attack, and is instead a bump over the net. The objective is to pass the free ball to the Setter in a controlled manner.

  2. Dig

    A dig is when a player successfully passes a ball that is an attack by the opposing team, i.e. not a free ball.

  3. Set

    A set is an overhand or bump contact of the ball and usually the second contact in a rally, made after a pass or dig. A set is when a ball is pushed in an arc near the net in a position where another player can spike/attack the ball into the opposing teams court.

  4. Spike/Attack

    A spike/attack is an overhand hit of the ball into the opposing teams court.

  5. Block

    A block occurs when a player jumps up in front of the net in time with the opposing teams attacker in order to stop/slow down the attack.

  6. Serve

    A serve is an action taken by a player to begin the rally. The player in server position stands outside the court boundaries and serves the ball over the net using either an underhand or overhand serve.

  7. Positioning

    Positioning is key whether it be on serve receive, base defence, covering, transitioning, blocking, or attacking. Knowing your correct position allows other players to trust you and ensures that your team has minimal confusion during play.

  8. Communication

    Communication on the court is key to being a good volleyball player. Players that communicate well know how to call for the ball, make in/out calls, read and call out different types of attacks (tip/cross/line/free), etc.

  • I have tried volleyball a few times with friends/family, or in school.

    I have never been coached in fundamental volleyball skills.

    I typically play just for fun in a non-competitive environment.

  • I know the general rules of the game, that volleyball is played with teams of six and no more than 3 touches from each team per rally.

    I understand basic positions and how to rotate after scoring a point.

    I try to pass to my teammates if I get first or second touch, but sometimes I will hit/bump it back over the net.

    When I hit the ball over, I am trying to keep it in the court, but not trying to place it strategically i.e. hitting line vs cross, or tipping.

    I know what blocking is, but don’t see a lot of it at my level.

    I know I’m not supposed to touch the net.

    I serve 50% of my balls over the net.

    In addition: Many sets at this level are technically carries or doubles. Hitters do not use a correct spike approach. Many points are scored due to opposing team execution errors, i.e. bad passes, shanks, hitting into the net etc.

  • I have a thorough understanding of the rules, i.e. foot faults, net touch, block-out etc.

    I have control of my momentum during spiking and can land safely on my side of the court.

    I sometimes attempt to block when an attack is happening in front of me at the net.

    I get about 75% of serves in play.

    I play pass-middle, where the player in the front-middle of the court is the Setter (i.e. 4-2 system).

    I want to learn how to play with one Setter all around (i.e. 5-1 system) but don’t fully understand the rotation.

    I can pass reasonably well. Many of my passes are near enough to the Setter that they are able to set the ball to another player.

    In Addition: Teams at this level regularly attempt three touches per side per rally, i.e. bump/dig, set, spike.

  • I know all the technical rules of the game.

    I fully understand how to play with one Setter all around (i.e. 5-1 system) or back-row setting only (i.e. 6-2 system).

    I have a thorough understanding of different types of sets to each hitter.

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

    I pass free balls perfectly to target 90% or more of the time.

    I know what covering a hitter means.

    I know serve receive formations and base defence.

    I know how to communicate during play i.e. calling in/out, mine, tip, free, etc.

    I can accurately serve to a zone regularly with a float or top-spin serve.

    I get 90% of serves, or more, in play.

    I can play multiple positions but I have a preference for a specific role.

    In Addition: Teams play with specific positions for each player. Setters in this level can set outside, middle, and opposite with minimal spin.

  • I have all the knowledge of C, B, and BB players.

    I can attack aggressively with different types of attacks at the same position.

    I pass free balls perfectly 99% of the time.

    I know all the technical rules of volleyball and can referee a game if required.

    I perform all the skills in volleyball extremely well.

    I use complex offensive and defensive strategies with my team during play.

    I know how to play multiple roles very well and can fill in the required position when needed.

    In Addition: Players at this level are highly athletic and play at the highest levels available in the region.