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Levels of Play in Beach Volleyball for Adults in the USA 

From Recreational to Professionals. Let us help define your level.

It doesn't matter to us how good or bad you are. What's important for us is to find your level.

Consistency

The key to finding your level is to know how consistent you are on the court.

If you can do it occasionally or by luck, it doesn't really count. We know that self-evaluation can be tricky so we hope to get that sorted out for you.

We'll help you find your level

Why is so important to "know your game?"
The more accurate on finding your level you are the easier will be to match you with the right group.

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There is a huge problem with players self-evaluating themselves everywhere. Let us solve this problem by connecting you to the right group.


Our Beach Volley Quiz is here to help! Watch a few videos and we will give you an idea of your level. 

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Disclaimer

Beach Volleyball skill levels may vary widely by region. Feedback is highly encouraged here.

We googled around the web to find definitions for these levels, combined some, wrote some. This is an attempt to help with definitions.
 

Our main focus here is beach volleyball at this time. There are probably better descriptions for indoor and grass volleyball on the internet.

Beach Volleyball Levels

Beach Volleyball Levels - volleycatchers
From Recreational to Professional

AA/A/BB (Amateur) | AAA (Semi-Pro) | Open/Pro (Professional Level)

These levels are widely accepted in the US and we will be using them to evaluate our members.

Definitions

Specialty Areas

Specialty areas are the different areas that a player can obtain proficiency in.

  1. Spiking

  2. Setting

  3. Serving

  4. Passing

  5. Digging

  6. Blocking

Proficiency Levels

The level of proficiency dictates how well the player has mastered these areas.

  1. no skill

  2. low skill

  3. low to moderate skill

  4. moderate skill

  5. moderate to advanced skill

  6. advanced skill

  7. advanced to expert skill

  8. expert skill

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Rec, C or Novice

Specialty Areas (0-1)
Proficiency Level (0-2)
Inexperienced or new players. This player has little or no experience with playing volleyball. He/she is still working primarily on getting the ball into play and needs on-court experience. This player has obvious weaknesses in controlling the ball.

B

Specialty Areas (1-2)

Proficiency Level (2-3)

Any experienced player who does not meet the guidelines for any of the other ratings. B players are quickly learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. This player may also sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

BB

Specialty Areas (2-4)

Proficiency Level (3-4)

This player has achieved improved ball control, dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing defensive strategy.

A

Specialty Areas (3-5)
Proficiency Level (4-6)
Any player who consistently displays advanced ability in either offensive skills (spiking, serving, setting) or defensive skills (passing, digging, blocking) to compete as a specialist and has sufficient ability to execute the dynamics of power volleyball. Also, Player does not meet the guidelines for any higher rating. This player has begun to master the use of power and shots and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents.

AA

Specialty Areas (4-6)

Proficiency Level (5-6)

Any Player who consistently displays the advanced ability in most specialty areas along with top caliber development and execution of skills and who does not meet the criteria for any lower rating. This player has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hits dependable shots in a stress situation.

Open or AAA

Specialty Areas (5-6)
Proficiency Level (5-7)
Those whose skills exceed even that of the "AA" players. The AAA player typically has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the collegiate and semi-professional levels and has obtained a regional and/or national ranking.

PRO

Specialty Areas (6)

Proficiency Level (7-8)

This player has a complete skill set and is earning an income playing professional beach volleyball. Anders Mol, Duda Lisboa, Casey Patterson, April Ross, Taylor Crabb are a few examples of PRO athletes on tour today. 

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