Our program offers volleyball sessions at various levels. Volleyball is a game that is sensitive to skill level. This page describes the requirements for players and the game at different levels.
The level classification is reviewed from time to time.
Level classification and the occasional clear elimination of players from a certain level may seem harsh. However, experience has shown that this is the best way to keep Höntsy volleyball vibrant. Deviating from the level requirements causes a chain reaction in which players strive to play at a higher level than their ”own” level when their ”own” level is no longer their ”own” level, and then the next level is soon not at the level it should be. For this reason, we hope that everyone will read the level descriptions and think critically about which level is best suited to them.
Basic level
A beginner-friendly session that you can join even if you have never played volleyball before. If volleyball is a new hobby for you, start here. Of course, most of the people who attend this session have played before, so the game is usually good, and the more experienced players can help out the less experienced ones. In this session, it is possible to serve closer to the net if serving from behind the back line feels difficult. In terms of rules, the main focus is on keeping the game going, so not every net fault is necessarily penalized.
Semi lower
Good pass-set-spike rhythm and rolling play. You already have at least moderate basic skills and a good success rate in them. You know the playing positions, you usually try to play according to them, and you know when a ball that has fallen on the floor was ”your” ball. Your movement on the court is also at least moderate, meaning you can reach your own ball even if it is a little far away. You try to anticipate the game and create a mobile defense together with others. You also dare to go for the ball in fast situations and use your voice when necessary.
Your basic skills include serving over the net and within the bounds, passing a basic serve or spike with your sleeve, and setting from a good pass at least forward and upward. You know the rules of volleyball and don’t break them very often, especially when it comes to staying away from the net and keeping your feet on your own side of the court.
Conversely: if you don’t have time to pass the ball / your passes often go at a random direction; if your sets often go to the opponent/your own player often can’t spike from them; if balls fall to the floor in your area because you don’t understand that they are yours or don’t have time to go for them; if you often bump into players because you are playing ”their” ball; if you are often touching the net or over the center line – then it is good to stick to basic level games.
It is usually also beneficial for lower-level games to have more experienced and better players involved, as volleyball is enjoyable when the ball stays in the air. At lower levels, however, everyone should note that the common goal is to keep the ball in the air – if, for example, the opponent can’t seem to pass your serve, you can make it easier after a few points. Hard hitters can also tone down their hits a little.
Semi-advanced
A good routine level game where you already hit hard and also block. Your basic skills should be solid, and you should have a good grasp of your playing positions. In these games, you mostly attack with hard spikes and usually jump to block, so you should already be familiar with attacking and blocking, and definitely not mess around at the net in a way that puts the ankles of players jumping down at risk. During these games, everyone can also hit the ball as hard as they want and are able to, so if you are afraid of the ball or of not being able to protect yourself from a hit, you should not come to this level. As a setter, you should already be able to sometimes set the ball somewhere other than right in front of you. Easy balls should no longer fall ”raw” on the court at this level.
Pro level
Active, proactive, and athletic volleyball. The main focus is on active play, where no easy mistakes are made and everyone participates in defense, attack, and blocking. You are familiar with covering and acting as a free net player, and you usually remember to act accordingly. You participate in all aspects of the game and do not focus solely on attacking or making fancy plays with your teammates. When it comes to attacking, you know how to recognize when to hit the ball – if a hard attack is not possible, you don’t try to force it (and hit the ball into the net or back wall), but do something else instead.
Your defense should be at a good level; most of the time, you will have time to retrieve the balls that are yours, and at the very least, you will try to return even the hardest shots. In the front court, you jump to block, in the back court you position yourself defensively according to the block, and most of the time even hard shots can be returned to the game. Anticipating and reading the game become important in tougher games, e.g., reading the opponent’s pass to see where the hitter is most likely to hit or is able to hit.
In recreational games, turns are played and no length limits are set. It is clear that not everyone has the same physical abilities to participate in net games – in this area, the requirements can be flexible.
Higher-level volleyball requires everyone to do their job and trust that others will do the same. So you don’t usually jump in when the ball is going to your neighbor. You can pass reasonably well, you can also attack and participate in blocking. You are quick and alert and react to situations, you play lifts etc. carefully, bending your knees.
You can only join the pro level with prior approval. This is given by a panel, which naturally strives for absolute fairness. The panel may grant playing rights on its own initiative, or you can apply for them by sending an email to Ilkka at ilkka.virjo@hontsy.fi.
If you have a background in playing in leagues, for example, you can inquire about this before playing in Hönts – otherwise, we do not usually grant rights ”blindly” but require you to show up first.
You can also ask the committee for an assessment of your level here, and we will try to give you a rough idea of where you are at and possibly some tips on the most important areas for development.
General
At all levels, it is important to remember to have a relaxed, friendly attitude – regardless of your level, the game is played together. Do your best to play according to the nature of the game and be encouraging towards others. This also applies when you think a teammate has been placed in the wrong level – you can discuss this with us later (email Ilkka), but turning the game into a protest will only make matters worse.
When choosing a level, in addition to technical skills, we emphasize active play, performance reliability, movement, and motivation. The right level is not determined by your best performance, but rather by your worst or at least most typical performance. It is natural to strive to advance in volleyball, but patience in terms of development is also needed – consider the next level when you clearly start to fall below the best. For a typical amateur, such as a beginner, reaching the semi-lower level requires at least six months of active playing, and for many, even more.
Basic information about Höntsy volleyball
In Höntsy, the game is usually played with a 6-back defence and a middle setter. If you don’t know what these terms mean, you should definitely check out the guides below.
In terms of the level of play, it is important that players learn what their role is in each position. Below is a link to a guide about how the positions are usually played at Höntsy: