1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I started playing basketball recently. In 2x2 there's nowhere to hide, and I still hide.
I already do
- ShootingA shot close to the basket with nobody guarding me.
- DefenseI stay between my man and the basket and raise my hands.
- Team playI pass to my partner when he's open and close by.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingFinishing with someone in front of me: I stop and lose the ball.
- DefenseStaying with someone who dribbles at me: he goes by and I stay.
- Team playSharing the rebound: either we both go or neither does.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I dribble without looking at the ball, and my short shot goes in with some regularity.
I already do
- ShootingA standing short shot that falls when I'm open.
- DefenseI guard my man tight and fight for the rebound under the rim.
- Team playI pass and cut toward the basket to get it back.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingFinishing on the move: I lose the timing of my steps.
- DefenseGuarding without fouling: I hit the arm when he shoots.
- Team playKnowing when my partner needs help on defense.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
I play one-on-one with confidence: I drive both ways and know when to shoot or look for my partner.
I already do
- ShootingI finish on the move from both sides and hit a mid-range shot with some regularity.
- DefenseI hold my own one-on-one without letting him go straight by, and I box out before the rebound.
- Team playI pass and cut; I recognize when my partner is in a better spot than I am.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingShooting with a defender close: I force it or give up.
- DefenseReading the switch when the two opponents cross.
- Team playPlaying without the ball for long: I stand still and wait.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play every week and my pair works: I know when to attack alone, when to pass and how to share the rebound.
I already do
- ShootingA reliable mid-range shot and I finish through contact.
- DefenseI guard one-on-one with my feet, force the weak side and rebound with my body.
- Team playCuts and screens for my partner (I stand in his defender's path) and passes on time.
- DecisionI attack the slower defender and adjust when they switch him.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping my cool when the opponent turns up the defensive pressure.
- ShootingShooting from deep with regularity.
In tournaments I play 2x2 tournaments and my city's intermediate amateur leagues.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a one-on-one repertoire: fakes, changes of pace, a deep shot, and I read the switch before it happens.
I already do
- ShootingA confident deep shot and finishing through contact on both sides.
- DefenseI switch without losing the attacker and fight for rebounds against bigger players using position.
- Team playPick and roll with my partner (a screen followed by a cut to the basket) reading what the defense does.
- DecisionI recognize who's tired and attack that side.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionClosing out the match against a more solid pair: the play is good, but the defense gets there.
- DefenseGuarding the deep shot without giving room for the drive.
In tournaments I play advanced amateur leagues and state 2x2 tournaments, with results.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I'm a hard attacker to guard and I really defend: I cover my partner and still close the rebound.
I already do
- ShootingDeep, mid-range and finishing through contact, all under defense.
- DefenseHelp and recover (I step out to cover and get back to mine), dominant rebounding on both ends.
- Team playI read the pick and roll as attacker and as defender; I pass to my partner on the cut at the exact moment.
- DecisionI change the pair's strategy mid-match based on what the opponent shows.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionTurning the match around when the opponent shuts down my main play.
In tournaments I play competitively: strong state championships and top 2x2 tournaments.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity against any style and I'm strongest on the final points of a 2x2.
I already do
- DecisionI read the other pair in the first possessions and change the plan.
- ShootingCreative finishing through contact and a deep shot under pressure.
- DefenseI guard their best attacker and still fight for offensive rebounds.
- Team playI play well with different partners and share the court without needing to talk it through.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my game on elite-level competitors without losing my head.
In tournaments Amateur elite: the league's select team and the state's strongest 2x2 tournaments.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm a reference in my state's amateur basketball. In 2x2 I have no weak side, and anyone playing me needs a plan.
I already do
- ShootingEfficiency from every shooting zone for a whole match.
- DefenseI guard any position and dominate the rebound on both ends.
- Team playI create for my partner with passes and screens at the right moment.
- DecisionI see the opponent's play before it starts and switch strategy on the spot.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe pace of people who make a living from basketball.
In tournaments Semi-professional: paid regional leagues and ranked tournaments.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
I make a living from basketball or I'm on that path: I train as an athlete, with a team and a planned season.
I already do
- ShootingShooting, finishing and physique at the highest level.
- DecisionI decide well against professional athletes.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionNothing that fits in a list: the difference here is the level of the league.
In tournaments Professional: an NBB, LBF or overseas-league athlete who also plays 2x2.
