Skill Requirements

This is an advanced-recreational league. Use this page to decide whether it's the right fit for you.

Is this league for you?

It's a good fit if you:

  • understand the basic strategy of volleyball
  • have played some organized volleyball before
  • value long rallies more than spiking every ball as hard as you can

It's probably not the right fit if you:

  • are a beginner or lower-intermediate player
  • miss more often than you succeed
  • don't want feedback from teammates

Attitude

Attitude matters most. There's often coaching, feedback and talk about team strategy on the court. Go into those conversations with a positive attitude, and ask questions if you're not sure.

What you should know

  • The court zones (positions 1 to 6)
  • That the setter sets from position 2.5
  • A 6-back defence
  • Court positions and switching (left, middle, right, setter)
  • The basic rules: no going under the net, no double hits, no lifts

You need a solid grasp of each skill (forearm pass, volley, hit, serve, block) and when to use it. If your positioning isn't there yet, athleticism can make up for it in the short term.

Fitness

  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Comfortable jumping and blocking
  • Able to handle 2 hours of moderate exercise
  • Determined!

Skills checklist

  1. Blocking: you're willing to block, even if it's a low, defensive block.
  2. Attack: you can jump and hit, including a consistent roll shot so a weak set doesn't end up blocked or in the net.
  3. Forearm pass & volley: from the back of the court, given an easy toss, you can pass to a target at the net without them having to sprint.
  4. Serve: overhand, 5 in a row without a miss.
  5. Dig: you can get into a low defensive position (skip to 1:00) and dig a hard-driven ball.
  6. Sprawl: you're comfortable sprawling (sliding lightly on the floor) after a hard pass. Another example here.
  7. Transition: you know when to block, when to come off the net and when to start your approach (example).

Setters

  • Please only volunteer to set a 5-1 if you're fast and consistent.
  • You can volley with a partner 4 metres away without them moving more than one step.
  • You can volley across three-quarters of the court (6 metres) without lifts or double contacts.
  • You play your defensive role too, and don't just wait at the net to set.
  • You talk, and you know when to call for help instead of chasing every ball.

Under 18, or not sure where you fit? Send us a message.