MatchelyMatchely

Volleyball (6x6) level on Matchely: one 1–99 scale, the same in every city

Every number comes with how much of it has been confirmed on court: confidence goes up with each recorded match, and the phase shows how far along that confirmation a player is.

The nine levels

Beginner

Level 1 · Rating 1–13

I just started playing indoor volleyball. I know we rotate, but I still get lost figuring out where to go.

I already do

  • PassA forearm pass on a slow ball coming straight at me.
  • AttackAn underhand serve that makes it to the other side.
  • DefenseI stay in my spot and try to touch the ball that comes near.

Not yet mastered

  • PassReceiving a serve that comes hard: the ball goes anywhere.
  • AttackSetting with my hands: the ball spins or comes out crooked.
  • DefenseRemembering my position after the rotation.

Upper Beginner

Level 2 · Rating 14–20

I rotate without getting lost and I know which positions attack and which defend.

I already do

  • PassI receive a weak serve with a controlled forearm pass to the middle.
  • AttackAn overhand serve that lands in often, and a hand set on an easy ball.
  • DefenseI dig a high or mishit ball in my zone.

Not yet mastered

  • PassReceiving a serve in the seam between me and my neighbor without getting in the way.
  • AttackA real spike: the ball comes out high and anyone can dig it.
  • DefenseBlocking on time with closed hands: the ball goes through them.

Lower Intermediate

Level 3 · Rating 21–34

I play a defined position and I know who sets, who hits and where the team lines up to receive.

I already do

  • PassSteady reception of a medium serve, with the ball arriving in the setter's hands.
  • AttackI hit a high ball from the outside with direction and hand-set when I'm the setter.
  • DefenseA single block in front of the hitter with the defense positioned behind.

Not yet mastered

  • PassReceiving a float serve that changes direction in the air.
  • AttackVarying the attack: a hard spike every time, even into a set double block.
  • DefenseCovering my team's hitter when the block sends it back.

Intermediate

Level 4 · Rating 35–48

I play every week in a fixed position in a 5-1 system: I know where to go in every rotation and do my job without being told.

I already do

  • PassI receive a hard or float serve with a pass to the setter's zone.
  • AttackI hit from the outside with power or tip over the block, and cover the hitter when it isn't me.
  • DefenseA double block with the middle and defense behind the block, covering the angle.
  • DecisionI serve at the weakest passer and switch targets when the libero changes sides.

Not yet mastered

  • DecisionKeeping the team organized when the opponent lands a quick attack through the middle.
  • AttackAttacking well a high ball far from the net, out of a bad rotation.

In tournaments I play Category B in my city's championships and win matches there.

Upper Intermediate

Level 5 · Rating 49–62

I've played more than one position and I have the tools of mine: a quick ball if I'm a middle, a tip and a back-row attack if I'm an outside, defense across the whole back row if I'm a libero.

I already do

  • PassSolid reception of a jump serve, with a high pass to a setter on the move.
  • AttackA tip (a placed touch behind the block), a hit down the line or cross-court, and a quick ball with the setter.
  • DefenseA closed double block with the defense positioned behind it according to the system.
  • DecisionI read the opposing setter's hands and anticipate quick or outside.

Not yet mastered

  • DecisionClosing the point against a team with a strong libero: I attack well, but the ball comes back.
  • DefenseDigging the quick ball through the middle that slips between block and defense.

In tournaments I play Category A with results: I win most matches and now and then play the finals.

Advanced

Level 6 · Rating 63–76

I'm a starter on an organized team, with a 5-1 system and a libero, and my position is a reference: attack, block or pass.

I already do

  • PassI receive a hard jump serve, with a pass to the net in any rotation.
  • AttackPowerful hit, tip, back-row attack (from behind the 3-meter line) and quick ball with the middle.
  • DefenseA coordinated triple block and a defense that reads the path before contact.
  • DecisionI change the blocking system by rotation based on the hitter their setter looks for most.

Not yet mastered

  • DecisionTurning a set around when the opposing block locks onto my attack.

In tournaments I start in AA and can win it; in Open my team wins matches but not yet the title.

Upper Advanced

Level 7 · Rating 77–88

I play at high intensity for five sets, and I'm strongest on the points that decide.

I already do

  • DecisionI read the opposing system in the first points and change serve, block and defense.
  • AttackA powerful, placed jump serve; full variety on a quick ball, from the outside or the back row.
  • DefenseI dig hard outside and back-row attacks and the team counterattacks on top of it.
  • PassI receive a heavy serve without breaking the team's system.

Not yet mastered

  • DecisionImposing my game on state-level teams without losing my head.

In tournaments I play Open finals and have won championships.

Specialist

Level 8 · Rating 89–97

I'm a reference in my state's amateur indoor volleyball. I play any position, and anyone facing my team needs a plan.

I already do

  • PassA precise pass under any serve, for five sets.
  • AttackA complete attack: power, placement, tip and quick ball, and I set when needed.
  • DefenseBlock and defense coordinated with my five teammates as one unit.
  • DecisionI anticipate the opposing setter's option and change strategy on the spot.

Not yet mastered

  • DecisionThe pace of people who make a living from volleyball.

In tournaments I play the national Pro level (Superliga B or equivalent) and the strongest state championships.

Professional

Level 9 · Rating 98–99

I make a living from volleyball: I train as an athlete, with a coaching staff and a planned season.

I already do

  • AttackFundamentals, tactics, physique and mindset at the highest level of indoor volleyball.
  • DecisionI decide well against professional teams.

Not yet mastered

  • DecisionNothing that fits in a list: the difference is the league my team plays in.

In tournaments International Pro: Superliga A or a professional league abroad.

Equivalences

How each level reads in other systems players already know. It is an approximate reading, not an equivalence between federations.

LevelRatingCBVRecreational levelUSA Volleyball
1 1–13 BeginnerBeginnerBB
2 14–20 Category DAdvanced BeginnerB
3 21–34 Category CIntermediateA
4 35–48 Category BAdvanced IntermediateAA
5 49–62 Category AAdvancedAAA
6 63–76 Category AACompetitiveOpen
7 77–88 OpenEliteElite
8 89–97 ProSemi-ProPro
9 98–99 EliteProInternational

How the number changes

Match results weigh the most. Matchely uses Glicko-2: beating someone above you moves the number more than beating someone below you, and each match counts for more while the system still knows little about how you play.

The people you play with count too. After matches, partners and opponents rate your level, and that rating enters the calculation with less weight than results.

If you have a coach on Matchely, their evaluation counts too. It only applies after you accept the link, and it weighs less than results.

The self-assessment from sign-up is only the starting point. With each recorded match it weighs less, until it has almost no effect on the number.

The rating goes through four phases: calibration (up to 10 matches), transition (up to 30), stable (up to 60) and mature (beyond that). Early on the number still moves a lot; later it only changes with a consistent run of results.

Confidence says how much of the number has been confirmed on court. A 60 with high confidence has been tested over many matches; a 60 with low confidence is still an estimate.

Rating is not ranking: rating is the player's level, and ranking is the points they have piled up over a period, in their city.

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