Understanding Levels
Making sure you are at the proper level for an event is important for ensuring everyone stays safe and has a good time.
But they can be confusing if you’re new to volleyball or coming from another country.
Why do levels matter?
Organizers can only assess players once they see them play at an event, so we rely on players to self-report their skill level. Understanding your own level and reporting it honestly is essential to keeping our pickup events enjoyable and safe for everyone.
We work hard to ensure that the skill level listed for each event matches the level of play on court, so participants get what they expect. When the gap in skill level is too large, rallies tend to end quickly. Higher level players may not get the quality of passing or setting they are looking for, while lower level players may struggle to return harder serves and attacks. This often leads to a less enjoyable experience for all.
High level volleyball is also fast paced. From a safety standpoint, mismatched skill levels can increase the risk of injury, whether from powerful spikes directed at less experienced players or from players moving unpredictably and colliding on court.
Some events are designed to accommodate a wider range of abilities. These are usually labeled “All Levels” and are intended to be more relaxed and learning focused.
BEGINNER → B → BB → A → AA
This rating system is used for pickup games and, more broadly, for most adult volleyball tournaments.
When rating yourself, compare your skills to the level descriptions rather than to other players you have seen at events. The standard of play at individual events can vary. Being one of the stronger players at an event labeled “BB” does not automatically place you in Upper BB. It simply means you were among the stronger players within that specific group.
Beginner Level (Recreational)
“Beginner” players are playing at a recreational level and are still learning the fundamentals of the game. The main focus is keeping the ball in play and getting it back over the net, rather than consistently using three touches with a bump, set, and spike.
At this level, many players are still developing a consistent serve and may struggle to get the ball in play. Setters usually set from the middle of the court rather than from a fixed target position, as passes are less predictable.
Teams at the beginner level often use the W formation, which is the easiest formation for new players to learn. It provides clear court coverage and helps players understand basic positioning and movement while building confidence on the court.
Please check that groups are beginner friendly before joining their sessions. You may also consider joining an academy to develop and polish your basic skills before moving on to other pickup games.
“B” players are not beginners, but they are still in the early stages of learning the game.
They are able to maintain rallies, have a basic understanding of positioning, and attempt to use three touches on each play. They can dig, set at a basic level, and spike, but these skills are not yet consistent and require more practice. While passes may not always reach the setter cleanly, players generally aim to pass the ball high and toward the middle of the court to give teammates a chance to make a play.
At this level, players are not usually specialized into specific positions. Most games will have the middle front player acting as the setter, or teams may run a 4–2 system, with two setters opposite each other and each setting when in the front row. Some teams may also use a single setter, but this often results in an inconsistent or unstructured 5–1 system.
B Level
B level is the lowest level of competition, but it is still a level of competition in tournaments. B is not the same as Beginner.
“BB” players can execute all core skills such as serving, receiving, setting, and hitting, though their level of consistency may vary.
They usually use three touches per rally, have a solid understanding of positioning and rotations, and are generally consistent with their serves, passes, and attacks. BB players understand basic footwork and proper hitting approach from their assigned positions. At this level, players begin to specialize, understand systems such as 5–1 or 6–2, and can play a defined role within those systems.
The majority of public games listed at the Intermediate level fall somewhere within the BB category.
At the BB level, players often look very strong during warm ups and can spike effectively in controlled settings, but may be less efficient during actual gameplay. BB players are not always strong receivers and will occasionally miss digs or shank free balls, especially under pressure.
Some events may further distinguish between Lower BB and Upper BB.
The main differences between Lower BB and Upper BB are consistency and athleticism. Lower BB players typically execute core skills successfully around 50 to 60 percent of the time and may also be more physically limited.
Upper BB players are expected to play their position effectively, not just know where to stand. They are generally 70 to 80 percent consistent in the core skills required for their role. Expectations may vary slightly by position. For example, liberos are expected to pass at a higher level, while middle blockers are expected to block more effectively. At this level, hitters attack with more pace, front row players are expected to block, and attackers should be able to finish balls with some power.
BB Level
“A” level players have the skills required to compete at a high standard. They are in excellent physical condition and can consistently execute the responsibilities of their position.
Liberos and outside hitters are expected to deliver quality passes, typically in the 2 to 3 point range, on most plays. Front row players can both attack and block effectively. Setters are able to run a full range of offensive options and deliver hittable sets consistently. Middle blockers should be capable of blocking pin to pin.
Combination play is common, with tempo balls such as rainbow sets or C balls regularly set to both outside hitters and opposites. Middle blockers are expected to jump on every ball with a quick attack, and back row attacks become a regular part of gameplay.
All players are able to set a quality high ball in out-of-system scenarios. While players can play all positions, they are highly specialised when playing within their teams. These are examples of positional expectations and are not meant to be a complete list.
At this level, players have an in-depth understanding of both offensive and defensive systems and gameplay. Many A level players have previous experience competing in MSSM or SUKMA or play with teams or clubs that feature players of this standard.
A Level
Players at this level are often “status players,” typically among the first six players in an MSSM state team or SUKMA state teams. Players in this category usually place in the top four of amateur tournaments.
*** Please note that not all status players are necessarily A-level, as multiple factors can affect performance.
“AA” level players have the skills required to compete at an elite level. They have an in-depth understanding of offensive and defensive systems and gameplay. These players do more than just hit the ball hard and smart—they have extensive experience and excel in their specific positions.
They are superb athletes who execute skills with maximum power and efficiency. Most have trained and played at the state level and continue to compete in national-level tournaments.
AA Level
Open Level
“Open” refers to the highest level of competition offered at major tournaments. Players in this category are semi-professional or professional level and represent the top tier of play. These are the athletes who compete at FIVB events.