A quick note: this is VolleyMore's rating system, meant as a practical guide, not an official standard. Levels are approximate, and what counts as "BB" in one area may run a little higher or lower in another. Use the closest fit and adjust as you play.
Compare the levels
The quickest way to place yourself. Tap any level for its full breakdown.
| C | B | BB | A | AA | Open | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In short | New to the game | Basics forming | Consistent, competitive | Strong all-around | High-level competitor | Elite / pro |
| Serve | Underhand / basic float | Standing float | Float, placed | Jump float / spin | Aggressive jump spin | High-velocity jump spin |
| Typically plays | Beginner leagues, pickup | Lower-int. leagues | Competitive rec | Upper-competitive | Regional / college club | AVP / FIVB / D1 |
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C
C · Beginner / Novice
Learning fundamentals; inconsistent ball control; limited game awareness.
- Passing
- Simple forearm passes, but inconsistent; struggles with pace or spin.
- Setting
- Mostly bump sets; hand setting is unstable or frequently illegal.
- Serving
- Underhand or basic standing float; low power, high error rate.
- Hitting
- Limited approach mechanics; often rolls or tips; timing is difficult.
- Defense
- Slow reactions; unsure positioning; struggles to read hitters.
- Strategy
- Learning rotations, basic rules, and court spacing.
- Beach / grass
- Difficulty with sand footwork and controlled touches.
- Typical play
- Recreational pickup, beginner leagues, brand-new players.
B
B · Lower Intermediate
Executes basic skills with some consistency; still developing control and game IQ.
- Passing
- Handles easy-to-mid-pace serves; struggles with tough floaters or topspin.
- Setting
- Accurate bump-setting; hand setting still inconsistent or marginally clean.
- Serving
- Standing float with moderate consistency; occasional targeted serves.
- Hitting
- Can approach and swing; limited power; inconsistent contact; struggles vs. blocks.
- Defense
- Understands base positions; reads simple attacks; digging is inconsistent.
- Strategy
- Understands rotations, basic offensive options, and defensive formations.
- Beach / grass
- Maintains rallies; developing controlled shots and transition footwork.
- Typical play
- Lower-intermediate leagues, structured pickup, casual tournaments.
BB
BB · Intermediate
Consistent ball control; can run a basic offense; competitive in structured play.
- Passing
- Handles most serves; reliable platform control; can pass to target.
- Setting
- Accurate bump-setting; hand setting mostly clean and consistent.
- Serving
- Standing or jump float with placement; fewer errors.
- Hitting
- Solid approach; consistent contact; can hit angles; occasional power swings.
- Defense
- Reads hitters; digs hard-driven balls; transitions effectively.
- Strategy
- Understands offensive systems (5-1, 4-2), blocking schemes, and spacing.
- Beach / grass
- Sides out consistently; uses controlled shots; adjusts to wind, sun, surface.
- Typical play
- Competitive rec leagues, mid-level tournaments, organized club pickup.
A
A · Advanced
Strong mechanics, consistent execution, and high game IQ across all surfaces.
- Passing
- Handles tough serves; consistently delivers in-system passes.
- Setting
- Clean hands; sets in transition; runs tempo; knows hitter preferences.
- Serving
- Jump float or jump spin with intent; targets seams and weak passers.
- Hitting
- Fast approach; hits with power; tools the block; smart shot selection.
- Defense
- Reads offenses well; digs hard swings; transitions quickly to attack.
- Strategy
- Executes advanced systems; understands matchups and situational tactics.
- Beach / grass
- Strong side-out game; vision-based shots; consistent hand setting; effective blocking or peeling.
- Typical play
- Upper-competitive leagues, strong tournaments, high-level club play.
AA
AA · Highly Advanced
High-level competitive player with strong physicality, precision, and tactical mastery.
- Passing
- Elite consistency; handles pace, spin, and deceptive serves.
- Setting
- Runs fast tempo; delivers hittable balls from difficult positions; elite hands.
- Serving
- Jump spin or aggressive float with pace; creates scoring opportunities.
- Hitting
- Terminates regularly; mixes power and finesse; beats blocks with intention.
- Defense
- Reads hitters at a high level; digs with control; transitions seamlessly.
- Strategy
- Executes advanced systems; adjusts mid-match; reads opponent tendencies.
- Beach / grass
- Strong side-out under pressure; advanced shot selection; effective block/defense pairing; tournament-ready.
- Typical play
- High-level regional tournaments, college club A/AA, strong adult competitive circuits.
Open
Open · Elite / Semi-Pro / Pro
Top-tier athletes with exceptional skill, physicality, and tactical intelligence.
- Passing
- Professional-level consistency; handles world-class serves.
- Setting
- Precision tempo; deceptive; runs complex offenses; elite decision-making.
- Serving
- High-velocity jump spin; forces out-of-system balls; scores directly.
- Hitting
- Terminates against strong blocks; full shot arsenal; elite efficiency.
- Defense
- Reads at pro speed; digs with control; transitions instantly.
- Strategy
- Mastery of systems, matchups, scouting, and in-match adjustments.
- Beach / grass
- Pro-level side-out; elite hand setting; advanced block/defense coordination; national/international play.
- Typical play
- AVP, FIVB, NCAA D1, pro circuits, elite national tournaments.