1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I just started footvolley: I come from football or the beach, and the sand still knocks me down before the ball does.
I already do
- ReceptionI receive a slow ball on my chest or thigh when it comes my way.
- AttackI get the ball over the net with my foot, without power.
- DefenseI stay on my side of the court and try not to use my arms.
Not yet mastered
- ReceptionReceiving with my head or foot without the ball going out.
- AttackSetting for my partner to attack: the ball ends up in the net.
- DefenseReaching the ball that drops between me and my partner.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I can receive with my foot and thigh and get the three touches going with my partner at practice pace.
I already do
- ReceptionFoot or thigh reception on a ball that comes in high and slow.
- AttackI set for my partner with my foot and attack with a header when the ball is good.
- DefenseI stay a bit behind my partner and pick up the long ball.
Not yet mastered
- ReceptionReceiving a hard or spinning serve: the ball goes out.
- AttackA foot attack (shark) that lands in.
- DefenseKnowing who goes for the middle ball: we get in each other's way.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
Footvolley has started to make sense: three touches are the rule, I can set for my partner and the shark is coming along.
I already do
- ReceptionFoot reception on a medium serve, directed for my partner to set.
- AttackShark (foot attack) and header on a high, well-set ball.
- DefenseI agree with my partner on who covers the back and who stays at the net.
Not yet mastered
- AttackA shark on a short or badly set ball: I force it and miss.
- ReceptionA hard serve on deep sand: the ball gets away from me.
- DefenseDefending a hard shark: I get there, but the ball goes up with no direction.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play every week and the team has structure: reception to my partner, a clean set, and I know when to attack hard or place the ball.
I already do
- ReceptionI receive a hard serve with foot, thigh or chest and leave a good ball to set.
- AttackA directed shark, a placed header and a dive attack (peixinho) on the low ball.
- DefenseI read their set and get into position before the attack.
- DecisionI choose between a hard attack and a placed ball based on where the opponents are.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping the plan against a more solid pair: the idea is good, the execution not always.
- DefenseDefending a hard shark with my foot and keeping the ball playable.
In tournaments I play the intermediate category in beach tournaments and win matches in it.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a repertoire: a hard shark, a drop (pingo) over the block, a header set and a dive attack when needed. Against a faster pair, I still make more errors than I'd like.
I already do
- AttackA shark at speed and a pingo (a short ball just over the net) when the opponent expects power.
- ReceptionReception of a hard, spinning serve keeping the ball on my side.
- DefenseI defend a shark with foot and thigh and keep the ball playable; I cover the pingo.
- DecisionI vary the target and height of my attack on purpose to pull the opposing pair out of position.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionStaying calm when the opposing pair defends everything and the point drags on.
- AttackFinishing the point against a good defense without forcing it and missing.
In tournaments I play upper intermediate and I'm competitive in it; I've already won matches in advanced.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I make few errors, I set the pace of the match and my attack decides: shark, header and pingo all come from the same set.
I already do
- AttackA hard shark with direction to any corner; an attacking header and a pingo that surprises.
- ReceptionDirected reception on any serve, even on deep sand.
- DefenseDefense of a hard shark with an immediate return to the attack.
- DecisionI read the opposing pair's pattern within a few points and attack the weak side.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSwitching targets when the other pair changes their block mid-set.
In tournaments I play the advanced category regularly and can win it.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity against any pair and I'm strong in the points that decide. Defending has become a way of attacking.
I already do
- DecisionI spot the opposing pair's weak side in the first points and change the plan with my partner.
- DefenseI defend a heavy attack and turn the point into a counter.
- AttackI vary shark, header and pingo depending on what the defense gives me.
- ReceptionClean reception of a hard serve even while running on sand.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping my attack effective against a state-level defense without resorting to brute force.
In tournaments I play advanced finals and have started entering the competitive category (amateur elite).
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
In my state's amateur scene, I'm one of the known names: I have no weak fundamental, and whoever faces me needs to show up with a plan.
I already do
- AttackPrecision in every attack, hard or placed, for a whole match.
- DecisionI anticipate the other pair's intent and switch strategy on the spot.
- DefenseA hard shark from the state's best attackers turns into a set ball for my partner.
- ReceptionFlawless reception and set on any serve.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training pace of someone who makes a living from footvolley.
In tournaments I play the competitive and semi-professional categories and compete in the strongest state and national tournaments.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
Footvolley is my job, or it's becoming one: I train as an athlete, with a regular partner and a planned circuit.
I already do
- AttackReception, set and attack at circuit standard, with the fitness to play all day on sand.
- DecisionI pick the right attack against circuit-level defenses, in the point that decides the stage.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionNo fundamental: what's missing is circuit stages won.
In tournaments Professional: the national footvolley circuit and international tournaments.
