Playing at the skill level that fits you best not only gives you a better experience, but it makes for a better game overall.
We built our volleyball program with four major skill levels categories:
Recreational / Lower-Intermediate (C), Intermediate (B), Upper-Intermediate (BB), and Competitive (A).
Use this page to help you determine which level to start at. When in doubt, start at a lower level and work your way up.
To play in our BB and A level games, you will need permissions added to your Grab A Game account. Click here to read why we require permissions for these games. To get approved for these higher-level games, attend one of our open intermediate games and talk to the host when you check in about getting assessed during the event. The host will be able to let you know which level is best for you and add permissions to your account if applicable.
I know the general rules of the game but may not know the more technical rules.
I understand basic positions and how to rotate.
I can serve the ball over the net and in play 50% of the time or higher.
I try to pass to my teammates most of the time, but sometimes I just hit it back over the net.
When I hit the ball over the net, I am trying to keep it in bounds, not necessarily trying to place it strategically.
I understand how to score points, keep score, and when to announce the score.
I know what blocking is, but don’t see a lot of it at my level of play.
I know when to call for the ball to avoid collisions.
I know I’m not supposed to touch the net.
Other notes about this level: Many sets are technically carries. Hitters do not utilize a true approach. Many points are “given” due to execution errors, i.e. shanks, bad passes etc.
I have a thorough understanding of rules.
I know what a libero is and their role on the team.
I can pass at a level 1 – Most of my passes get to the setter so they can set to 1 hitter.
I enjoy playing in games where there’s a set position for the setter and each person on the team gets a chance to be setter.
I have control of my momentum and land safely on my side of the court after going up for a hit.
I typically attempt to block when a hitter is front of me.
I get about 75% of serves in play.
Additional Notes About this Level:
Teams regularly attempt to make three hits per side.
Teams have a setter, but most of the time the setter is setting from the middle position.
Players in these games often have a goal to improve and advance to the upper-intermediate level.
Players play the position into which they rotate rather than assigned positions.
A solid “B” player has reasonable consistency. Skill level easily trumps height. Many “B” level hitters do not employ a standard hitting approach. A few points are scored due to execution errors but not the majority, most points have to be earned.
I know of all the technical rules of the game.
I have a thorough understanding of different types of sets to each hitter.
I can accurately serve to a zone regularly.
I can pass at a level 2 – Most of my passes get to the setter so they can set the outside or right side hitters.
I fully understand how to run a 5-1 and 6-2.
I am proficient at blocking, setting, passing, and hitting.
I know how to cover the court defensively during a serve and during a hit.
I get 90% of serves, or more, in play.
Front row hitters are able to take an approach and hit the ball consistently.
Teams play with positions: outside hitter, middle hitter, right side hitter, setter and defensive specialist.
Setters can set a basic outside, middle, and right side ball with minimal spin.
Upper-Intermediate players are very good players, but not as consistent as A-level players. Shorter players can compete if they have good skills.
I have the ability to hit with different hits at the same position.
I can pass at a level 3 – My passes get to the setter so they can set all three hitters.
I know how to spot a double or lift and I’m aware of when I do it myself.
More information about this level of play:
Superb players. Highly athletic. Indoors they use complex offenses. Passing is stellar.
Perform all skills: BLOCKING, SETTING, PASSING, and HITTING.
Know what 5-1, 6-2, and 4-2 offenses are.
Know how to cover the court defensively during a serve and during a hit.
Can pass a hit or serve to the setter consistently.
Front row hitters are able to take an approach and hit the ball consistently.
Know what covering a hitter means.
Play with positions: outside hitter, middle hitter, right side hitter, setter and defensive specialist.
Setters can set a basic outside, middle, and right side ball with minimal spin.
Get 90% of serves, or more, in play.
Most of the players are tall. Indoors they almost always use a 5-1 or 6-2 offense (i.e., the setter is often a back row player, so that there may be three hitters in the front row).
Want to play at the Upper-Intermediate (B+) or Competitive (A) levels with us?
New and existing players seeking to get the BB approval on their account are encouraged to attend our “Open Intermediate” games, where the hosts will be able to assess their level and even chat with players about what they need to improve on in order to get BB or A level approval.
How We Determine Who is Qualified:
Safety, quality of play, and player experience are the priorities of our upper-intermediate and competitive level games. Players approved for these games not only have a full understanding of the game and accuracy with their skills, but they exude good sportsmanship.
At our Intermediate and Lower-Intermediate games, we aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all players. We encourage players to learn and improve by playing in these games. Players are expected to have a good understanding of the game, but they may not have the experience and skills we require for the higher levels. At times, the Grab A Game host may provide tips to help players improve.
Why Are We Doing This?
While most players have a self-awareness of their level of play, intermediate and lower-intermediate players sometimes join higher-level games by mistake and it significantly impacts the quality and safety of the game. By requiring pre-approval for the higher-level games, players can sign up knowing they will be playing with other high-level players.
Our previous method of having talks with players on site or calls and emails to them after the game have not been effective in consistently offering high-quality games. Furthermore, players often feel they need to be part of a private group if they want to play at a high level. We want to change that and have a reputation for upholding our advertised skill levels.