What are the Different Levels of Club Volleyball?

Volleyball clubs play a crucial role in the development of young athletes. But not all the levels of the club have the same level of competition and the skills of players.

There are five levels at volleyball clubs namely open division, national division, USA division, American division, and patriot division. The level of competition is highest in the open division and it declines in all the subsequent divisions. All divisions except patriot need qualified players from lower divisions.

You must know the different levels of club volleyballs, if you want to choose the right level of club volleyball for yourself or your children.

Different Levels of Club Volleyball

Here are the five famous levels of club volleyball. These levels are mostly followed in the USA, so they may differ in other parts of the world.

Open Division: Most Competitive Level of Club Volleyball

Club volleyball offers a range of competitive levels for athletes seeking to develop their skills and pursue their passion for the sport.

Among these levels, the Open division stands out as the most competitive and prestigious. 

Athletes in this division are usually the cream of the crop.

This is where the top level talent is present. Here you will see peopld competing for the absolute glory.

It is designed for the most skilled and experienced athletes who have already demonstrated exceptional talent and a deep commitment to the sport.

Compared to other divisions, the Open division attracts the top teams, and players from across the country and even internationally, showcasing the very best volleyball has to offer.

To compete in the Open division, athletes must possess advanced technical skills, exceptional physical conditioning, and a high volleyball IQ.

All the players you see at this level will have an established role in their volleyball teams. This means that a Defense Specialist playing in some capacity in open division will play for the same role throughout the career. The same is true for other positions as well.

Teams participating in this division are typically composed of players who have extensive club and high school volleyball experience, many of whom have aspirations of playing at the collegiate or professional level.

The eligibility criteria for the Open division can vary depending on the specific tournament or organization, but generally, teams must qualify for Open division competition through a series of regional or national qualifying events.

This ensures that only the most competitive and accomplished teams earn their spot in the Open division, further enhancing the level of play.

Winning the Open Division at a major national or international tournament is considered a significant accomplishment for any club volleyball team. It not only demonstrates the team’s skill and competitiveness but also serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Victories in the Open division can lead to increased exposure for both the team and individual players, opening doors to college recruitment and even professional opportunities.

Furthermore, winning the Open Division can serve as a benchmark for other teams within the club, inspiring younger players to strive for greatness.

And the most important thing is that you will get more advanced coaching once you reach open volleyball club level.

Here you will find coaches who are at the top of what they do, not to mention that athletes at this stage also follow a highly specified diet plan and participate in top level training.

Also, you will have the opportunity to have a natural feel of playing volleyball when you play with the best volleyballs out there.

National Division Volleyball: The Second Most Competitive Level of ClubVolleyball

The National Division is a step down from the Open and consists of teams with slightly lower skill levels than those found in the Open.

It is a competitive division that allows teams to compete for a chance to qualify for the Junior National Championship.

Teams at this level of club volleyball are selected based on their performance at Qualifier events that may be conducted by regional volleyball associations.

The National Division plays an important role in club volleyball as it provides young athletes with an opportunity to develop their skills while competing against some of the best teams in their region or country. It also serves as a stepping stone for those looking to move up into higher divisions, such as the Open Divisions.

You will see many talented players at this stage who somehow run out of luck, due to which they are unable to proceed at the open level.

USA Division: The Middle Level of Volleyball Club

The USA Division is a step down from National and consists of teams with slightly lower skill levels than those found in National. 

The USA Division represents a significant competitive tier within club volleyball, providing talented athletes with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against top teams from across the country.

Teams competing in the USA Division have the opportunity to progress to higher competitive tiers, such as National and Open Division, by consistently demonstrating exceptional performance and skill.

This progression may involve winning a series of tournaments, earning a specific number of points or rankings, or receiving an invitation to compete at a higher level based on overall performance.

Teams that excel within the USA Division may gain increased exposure and recognition within the volleyball community, potentially leading to opportunities for athletes to be recruited by collegiate programs or even professional teams.

Exceptional performance within the USA Division can serve as a springboard for teams to advance to higher competitive tiers, ultimately allowing them to compete against the best teams in the nation.

American Division: The Second Least Competitive Level of Club Volleyball

The American Division is an important competitive tier within club volleyball that offers teams and players a chance to develop their skills and gain valuable experience against strong competition. 

The American Division is designed to accommodate teams that demonstrate a high level of skill and commitment to the sport but may not yet be ready for the more competitive National or Open divisions.

While the American Division still offers a high level of competition, it is generally considered a tier below the National and Open divisions in terms of skill level and intensity.

The American Division plays a crucial role in the club volleyball landscape by providing a competitive platform for teams and athletes to develop their skills, gain experience, and showcase their talents.

Participating in the American Division offers players an opportunity to compete against strong teams from across the country, which helps them build confidence, hone their skills, and prepare for higher levels of competition.

By offering a slightly less intense competitive environment, the American Division allows players to focus on their individual and team growth without the added pressure of competing against the very best teams in the nation.

At this level, you can find players who are yet to finalize their role in volleyball. They are usually trying out different things in their career to find the best role in the volleyball teams.

Patriot Division: Lowest Level of Club Volleyball

The Patriot Division is the lowest level of competition in club volleyball but still provides valuable experience for young athletes looking to develop their skills before moving up into higher divisions.

This is where clubs try to engage beginners using different warm up drills and even fun volleyball activities to train them.

It is the only division where teams do not need to qualify for the competition, making it an ideal option for those looking for an end-of-season tournament.

Teams competing in the Patriot Division are typically high school or club players who are looking for a competitive yet fun environment.

You will see many players at this level dropping out at the end of seasons because they don’t want to continue playing professional volleyball.

Also the level of coaching at this level of club volleyball is less compared to the above tiers.

At this level, you will find coaches focusing on the skill development of players. Many athletes at this stage also attend volleyball camps or clinics to receive specialized coaching and training.

Maintaining a strong work ethic and dedication to improvement is the key to success at this level which will bring you in the above levels of club volleyball.

Final Words

While there are multiple levels of club volleyball, it is a best approach if you play in the level that suits best to your skill level.

Knowing what does club volleyball entail will further help you in making a right decision. Playing in the wrong level will either not challenge you enough or put you at a place where you are being challenged more than your skills.

And now there is a good news that now you can start your own club volleyball team that can participate in all the different levels.

But before joining a volleyball club, it’s better to see if joining these clubs even worth it.