TIERING SYSTEM

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• Players with little to no formal training 

• Basic understanding of rules, limited consistency in passing, serving, or setting 

• An average game will feature some bumping, passing and hitting, but the focus is often on just getting the ball over the net. A mix of overhand and underhand serves 

• Plays mostly for fun and fitness, may have a basic level of understanding with positioning and team dynamics

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2. Low Intermediate

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• Some structured training (e.g., youth leagues, school teams, rec leagues)

• Can perform basic skills (forearm pass, set, serve, hit) with moderate consistency

• Understands positions and rotations; able to participate in basic team strategies

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3. Intermediate Competitive

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• Regular practice and competitive play

• Strong technique in all basic skills; begins to specialize in a position

• An average game will feature three hits on most plays and some good blocks, but the hitting is not overly hard, the passes are not always crisp, and teams generally do not have organized attacks.

• Understands advanced team tactics like coverage, serve receive formations, and coordinated attacks

4. Advanced

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• Several years of high-level club or school play; likely training year-round

• Technically sound, mentally focused, and able to read the game well

• The flow of the game is fast, as all players can hit, pass and serve with accuracy and intention

• Executes advanced strategies, adapts to opponents, and shows leadership on court

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5. Elite

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• Competes in post-secondary, national, or professional leagues

• The flow of the game is fast, as all players can hit, pass and serve with accuracy and intention

• will see more complex offensive systems 

• Highly refined techniques, elite athleticism, and tactical intelligence

• Comparable to Tier 1