1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I started 4x4 beach volleyball recently. With four on the court, I still let the ball drop thinking it was someone else's.
I already do
- PassA forearm pass on a slow ball dropping in front of me.
- AttackAn underhand serve that clears the net.
- DefenseI stay in my corner and try to touch the ball that comes near.
Not yet mastered
- PassCalling “mine” before the ball arrives: I wait, and then it's too late.
- AttackSending the ball to the setter; I send it straight back over.
- DefenseUnderstanding when it's my turn to block.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I know the ball in the middle belongs to someone, and when I call it, it's usually mine.
I already do
- PassI receive a weak serve with a forearm pass to the middle of the court.
- AttackAn overhand serve that lands in often.
- DefenseI dig a high or mishit ball dropping in my zone.
Not yet mastered
- PassRunning through sand for a far ball without losing my balance.
- AttackAttacking one-handed with direction: the ball goes high and easy to dig.
- DefenseBlocking on time: I go up too early or too late.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
I know who sets and who hits on my team, and I do my part when the serve isn't heavy.
I already do
- PassStable reception of a medium serve, with the ball reaching the setter.
- AttackA hand set for whoever is at the net; I hit a high ball with direction.
- DefenseA single block in front of the hitter, with the other three covering behind.
Not yet mastered
- PassAdjusting reception when the serve drops in the seam between two of us.
- AttackVarying the attack: I force the swing even into a ready block.
- DefenseCovering my team's hitter: the block sends it back and nobody is there.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play 4x4 every week and have a clear role on the team: I pass, cover my hitter and attack with intent when the ball comes.
I already do
- PassI receive a hard serve with a pass to the setting zone.
- AttackA hard hit or a placed touch depending on the block, and I set when that's my role.
- DefenseA one- or two-person block with the defense positioned behind, covering the angle.
- DecisionI serve at the weakest passer and switch when the other team changes its reception.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping the team organized when the opponent lands a quick attack.
- AttackAttacking well a ball that comes far from the net.
In tournaments I play Category B in my city's 4x4 tournaments and win matches there.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have attacking tools and a jump serve, and the team plays on signals: I know where the block closes and where the defense shifts.
I already do
- PassSolid reception of a float or jump serve, with a high, clean pass.
- AttackA shot (a placed touch behind the block), a hit down the line or cross-court, and a second-ball attack when the pass allows.
- DefenseA coordinated double block with coverage behind it.
- DecisionI read the opposing setter and anticipate where the ball is going.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionClosing the point against a team that digs well: I attack well, but the ball comes back.
- DefenseDigging the fast ball that slips between block and defense.
In tournaments In Category A I'm competitive: I win often and sometimes reach the semifinals.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I'm the team's go-to hitter, I serve to pressure, and I know how to organize all four of us on the court.
I already do
- PassI receive a hard serve in wind, with a pass to the net in any conditions.
- AttackPowerful hit, shot, quick tempo (a fast attack right after the pass) and consistent setting to three options.
- DefenseA block that shuts down the main attack and a defense that reads the path before contact.
- DecisionI change the block formation during the match based on their preferred hitter.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionChanging the team's plan when the opponent shuts down my main attack.
In tournaments I play AA often and have won it; in Open I win matches but don't yet reach the finals.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I hold my level in any beach conditions, and on the final points the team looks to me.
I already do
- DecisionI read the other team in the first points and change serve, block and defensive system.
- AttackA powerful, placed jump serve; full variety off a fast or high ball.
- DefenseI dig a heavy hit and the ball comes up ready for a counterattack.
- PassI receive a heavy serve without breaking the team's rhythm.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my game on state-circuit teams without losing my head.
In tournaments I play Open finals and have won events with different teams.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm a reference in my state's amateur 4x4. I play any role, and anyone facing my team needs a plan.
I already do
- PassA precise pass under any serve, from any of the four reception spots.
- AttackA complete attack: power, placement, shot and quick tempo, and I set when needed.
- DefenseBlock and defense coordinated with my three teammates as one unit.
- DecisionI anticipate the other team's play and change strategy without stopping the match.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training pace of people who make a living from beach volleyball.
In tournaments I play the national Pro level (Brazilian circuit) and the country's strongest 4x4 tournaments.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
I make a living from beach volleyball: daily training, physical preparation and a calendar of events.
I already do
- AttackComplete fundamentals at the highest level, in any role on the team.
- DecisionI decide well against circuit teams.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionNothing that can be described here: what sets me apart is results on the court.
In tournaments International Pro: international 4x4 events or the national equivalent.
