Knowing your volleyball skill level can help you identify areas for improvement, choose appropriate teams or leagues to play in, and set realistic goals for yourself. Here are some ways to determine your volleyball skill level:
Self-Assessment:
- Beginner (Recreational): You’re new to volleyball or have limited experience. You may struggle with basic skills like serving, passing, setting, hitting, and blocking.
- Intermediate: You have some experience and can perform basic skills consistently. You may be working on developing more advanced skills like approach jumps, arm swings, and strategic play.
- Advanced: You have significant experience and can perform complex skills like slides, back-row attacks, and advanced blocking techniques.
- Elite: You’re an experienced player with exceptional skills, physical ability, and strategic knowledge.
Evaluation Criteria:
Consider your skills in these areas:
- Serving: Can you consistently serve accurately and with power?
- Passing: Can you pass the ball effectively to the target (setter)?
- Setting: Can you set the ball accurately to the attacker?
- Hitting: Can you hit the ball effectively, with power and precision?
- Blocking: Can you block effectively at the net?
- Defense: Can you read the game and make defensive plays?
- Game awareness: Do you understand strategic aspects of the game, like rotations, formations, and play calls?
Get Feedback:
- Coaches or experienced players: Ask for their honest assessment of your skills.
- Video analysis: Record yourself playing and review your technique.
- League or tournament play: Participate in competitive games to gauge your skills against others.
USA Volleyball (USAV) Skill Level Guidelines:
The USAV uses a skill level system to categorize players:
- A (Beginner): Basic skills, limited experience.
- BB (Intermediate): Developing skills, some experience.
- B (Advanced): Consistent skills, significant experience.
- AA (Elite): Advanced skills, high-level experience.
Keep in mind that self-assessment and feedback from others can help you estimate your skill level. However, the best way to determine your level is to participate in competitive play and receive feedback from coaches or experienced players.
How do you think you’d rate your volleyball skills?