1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I started playing basketball recently. On a full court I still chase the ball and don't know where to go.
I already do
- ShootingA shot under the basket when nobody is guarding me.
- DefenseI stay between my man and the basket with my hands up.
- Team playI pass to the open teammate who's close by.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingFinishing with someone in front of me: I freeze and lose the ball.
- DefenseGetting back on defense in time after we lose the ball.
- Team playUnderstanding where to be when the team attacks.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I dribble without looking at the ball, get back on defense when we lose possession and know my spot on offense.
I already do
- ShootingA standing shot inside the paint, when nobody closes out on me.
- DefenseI guard my man closely and fight for the rebound under the basket.
- Team playI pass and cut; I run the floor on the fast break.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingFinishing on the run: I either take an extra step or come off balance.
- DefenseContesting a shot without touching the shooter's arm.
- Team playKnowing when to help on defense without leaving my man open.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
I play a defined position and understand the team's basic offense: pass, cut and clear the side for a teammate.
I already do
- ShootingI finish on the break from both sides and hit mid-range when I arrive with my feet set.
- DefenseI hold my man one-on-one and put my body into the defensive rebound.
- Team playI do my job in the half-court offense and run the floor in transition.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingShooting from deep with a defender on me: I force it or give up.
- DefensePlaying zone (each of us covers an area, not a player): I lose my spot.
- Team playMoving when the ball isn't with me: I stand and watch the play happen.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play every week in a fixed position and know the team's system: where I come into the play, when to cut and how to run transition.
I already do
- ShootingA mid-range shot from my position and a finish through contact when I cut.
- DefenseI guard one-on-one with my feet, help on the weak side and rebound with my body.
- Team playI run the team's plays: screens, cuts and passes on time.
- DecisionI attack the slower defender and adjust when their coach switches the matchup.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping the team organized when the opponent presses full court.
- ShootingThe three-pointer with regularity: it's still a gamble.
In tournaments I play my city's intermediate amateur leagues and win matches there.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a repertoire in my position: deep shot, pick and roll, reading the zone, and I can play both the half-court offense and transition.
I already do
- ShootingA confident three-pointer and finishing through contact with either hand.
- DefenseI switch without losing the attacker, play zone and man-to-man, and fight for rebounds using position.
- Team playPick and roll (a screen followed by a cut to the basket) and I read the help defense to pass.
- DecisionI recognize when the opponent is disorganized and speed up the transition.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionClosing out the match against a more experienced team: the system runs, but they read it first.
- DefenseDefending the opponent's transition when my team attacks with all five.
In tournaments I play advanced amateur leagues and state championships, with results.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I'm a starter on an organized team, with offensive and defensive systems, and my position is a reference.
I already do
- ShootingThree, mid-range and finishing through contact, with a defender on me and inside the system.
- DefenseHelp and recover, zone defense and full-court press, rebounding on both ends.
- Team playI read the systems: I know the second and third option of every play and run transition with my four teammates.
- DecisionI change my read mid-possession based on what the defense shows.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionTurning the match around when the opponent shuts down the team's main system.
In tournaments I play competitively: strong state championships and leagues with official officiating.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity for all 40 minutes and I'm strongest in the final minutes.
I already do
- DecisionI read the opposing defense in the first possessions and change the plan with the coach.
- ShootingA three-pointer in the final minutes and a tough finish with the paint packed.
- DefenseI guard their best player for 40 minutes and still show up on the offensive glass.
- Team playI play well in different systems and in more than one position.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my game on the state elite without losing my head in the final minutes.
In tournaments Amateur elite: the league's select team and the state's strongest championships.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm a reference in my state's amateur basketball. I play any position, and anyone facing my team needs a plan.
I already do
- ShootingEfficiency from every zone for a whole match.
- DefenseI defend positions one through five and dominate the rebound in both paints.
- Team playI organize the offense and the transition and create for my teammates.
- DecisionI anticipate the opponent's system and change strategy with the coach in the same possession.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training pace of people who make a living from professional basketball.
In tournaments Semi-professional: paid regional leagues and championships with coverage.
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 coaching staff and a planned season.
I already do
- ShootingFundamentals, physique and reading at league level.
- DecisionI decide well inside a professional system.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionNothing a list can describe: what separates us here is the league I play in.
In tournaments Professional: NBB, LBF or a professional league abroad.
