Seasons of Play: Central Alberta Volleyball Programs

At CASC, our coaches evaluate each player across multiple skill areas. A player may be stronger in one skill than another — for example, Level 6 in Hustle but Level 3 in Passing. We look at the overall picture to place each athlete in the level that will best support their development.

While the scale below goes from Levels 1–10, some exceptional athletes — often older, advanced 16U/17U players and beyond — may demonstrate abilities above Level 10. These athletes show performance comparable to elite club or provincial-level play.

Volleyball Player Evaluation Scale (Levels 1–10)
Serving
Level 1/2 → Very inconsistent underhand serve; many don’t clear the net. 
Level 3/4 → Consistent underhand serve; beginning overhand serve attempts but inconsistent. Can get ~50% in.
Level 5/6 → Consistent overhand serves (70–80% in); occasional attempt at targeting;
Level 7/8 → Reliable overhand serve with pace and placement; some players developing jump float or topspin. 80–90% in with control.
Level 9/10 → Aggressive, consistent serving (jump float/jump topspin); deliberate placement to zones; high velocity; 90%+ accuracy.

Passing (Serve Receive / Defense)
Level 1/2 → Basic understanding of platform; inconsistent; shanks common. Rarely control ball to target.
Level 3/4 → More consistent forearm passing; starting to direct passes toward target. ~30% success.
Level 5/6 → Can pass controlled balls to setter regularly; beginning to move feet well; handles moderate serves. ~50% success.
Level 7/8 → Solid passing platform; adjusts body position well; controls most serves to setter’s area. 75–85% success.
Level 9/10 → Reads servers, anticipates well; consistent 85–95% to target.

Setting
Level 1/2 → Mostly bump set; inconsistent hands; double contacts common; little awareness of hitter positioning.
Level 3/4 → Attempts overhead set but still inconsistent; beginning to face targets; can set some high balls.
Level 5/6 → Controlled overhead sets; can set basic front-row hitters; some ball placement accuracy.
Level 7/8 → Runs basic offense (outside, middle, right-side); good consistency; delivers hittable balls most of the time. ~75–85% accuracy.
Level 9/10 → Advanced offense (quick sets, back row, tempo); precise location; tactical decision-making; >90% accuracy.

Hustle / Effort
Level 1/2 → Often stationary; limited movement; effort inconsistent.
Level 3/4 → Moves more actively; some court coverage but may give up on tough balls.
Level 5/6 → Regular effort to chase balls; dives/rolls attempted; consistent pursuit of plays.
Level 7/8 → Very active, reads plays early; strong defensive pursuit; multiple effort plays in a rally.
Level 9/10 → Relentless pursuit, advanced court coverage, quick transitions; sets the tone for team hustle.

Communication
Level 1/2 → Rarely talks; doesn’t call ball.
Level 3/4 → Starting to call “mine”; communication inconsistent and hesitant.
Level 5/6 → Calls ball regularly; some leadership talk; beginning to call coverage or simple plays.
Level 7/8 → Strong communicator; calls plays, coverage, reads situations; helps organize teammates.
Level 9/10 → Vocal leader; directs defense/offense; constant constructive talk; rallies team with energy.