1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I just started playing beach volleyball. I know the court belongs to me and my partner alone, but I still can't handle my half of it.
I already do
- PassI forearm-pass a slow ball that comes straight at me.
- AttackI serve underhand and the ball clears the net most of the time.
- DefenseI face the hitter and try to get a hand on the ball when it comes.
Not yet mastered
- PassReceiving a hard serve: the ball goes anywhere.
- AttackSetting my partner up to attack; I send it back however I can.
- DefenseKnowing whether to go up and block or stay back and dig.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I keep the ball alive inside my half and I know the three touches exist, even when I only manage two.
I already do
- PassI receive a weak serve with a forearm pass that rises near my partner.
- AttackAn overhand serve that lands in on a good day.
- DefenseI dig a wide or mishit ball when it comes my way.
Not yet mastered
- PassPassing in soft sand: I lose my balance and the ball comes up short.
- AttackA real attack: I send it over one-handed, with no power and no direction.
- DefenseBlocking: I jump late and the ball sails over me.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
The three touches are real now: I pass, my partner sets and I hit, at least when the serve isn't heavy.
I already do
- PassStable reception of a medium serve, with the ball rising toward the net.
- AttackI set my partner with hands or forearms and hit a high ball with direction.
- DefenseI'm starting to block the hitter in front while my partner covers behind.
Not yet mastered
- PassA ball dropping in the middle of the court: my partner and I still get in each other's way.
- AttackVarying the attack: I swing hard even when a soft touch would do.
- DefenseReading where the attack will land; I only dig what comes at my body.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play on the beach every week and my half of the court is reliable: I pass, set and attack with intent, and my partner and I agree on who does what.
I already do
- PassI receive a hard or wind-blown serve without losing position.
- AttackI hit hard or push a short touch over the block, choosing in the moment.
- DefenseBlock and defense agreed: who closes the line and who covers the angle.
- DecisionI serve at the weaker player and switch targets when they settle in.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionSticking to the plan when the opponent serves heavy at me the whole match.
- AttackAttacking well a ball set far from the net.
In tournaments I play Category B in my city's beach tournaments and win matches there.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have tools for the point: a shot over the block, a short-angle hit, a jump serve, and I signal with my partner before every point.
I already do
- PassSolid reception of a float or jump serve, letting my partner set calmly.
- AttackA shot (a placed touch behind the block) and a hit down the line or cross-court depending on the block.
- DefenseBlocking on signal: I close line or angle and my partner defends the other side.
- DecisionI see when an opponent is tired or out of position and play the ball there.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionClosing the point against a more solid pair: the attack is good, but they dig it.
- DefenseDigging a fast ball when the block is beaten.
In tournaments I'm competitive in Category A: I win often and now and then reach the final rounds.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I signal on every point, serve to pressure, and my attack is a real threat to any amateur pair.
I already do
- PassI receive a hard float serve with a high pass to the net, even in wind.
- AttackPowerful hit, shot and second-ball attack; consistent hand setting.
- DefenseAn active block that wins points and a defense that reads the path before contact.
- DecisionI change the block signal during the match based on what the other pair prefers.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionTurning the match around when the opponent shuts down my main attack.
In tournaments I play AA regularly and can win it; in Open I win matches but don't yet go all the way.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity in sun, wind or heavy sand, and I'm strongest on the points that decide the set.
I already do
- DecisionI read the other pair in the first points and change serve, block and attack.
- AttackA powerful, placed jump serve; I attack with full variety off a fast ball.
- DefenseI dig hard hits and turn them into a counterattack.
- PassI receive a heavy serve without losing the rhythm of the match.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my game on state-circuit competitors without losing my head.
In tournaments I play Open finals and have won events.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm a reference in my state's amateur beach volleyball. I have no weak skill, and anyone playing me needs a plan.
I already do
- PassA precise pass under any serve, for a whole match.
- AttackA complete attack: power, placement, shot and second ball.
- DefenseBlock and defense coordinated with my partner as one unit.
- DecisionI read what the other pair is about to try and switch the plan before the serve.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe pace of people who make a living from beach volleyball.
In tournaments I play the national Pro level (Brazilian circuit events) and the strongest state tournaments.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
I make a living from beach volleyball or I'm on that path: I train as an athlete, with a team and a planned season.
I already do
- AttackServe, pass, attack and block at the highest level, in any beach conditions.
- DecisionI decide well against circuit pairs.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionNothing that fits in a list: here the difference is where we sit in the ranking.
In tournaments International Pro: Beach Pro Tour or the national equivalent.
