Age 11-12 

• Serving: Can serve underhand consistently, may begin to learn overhand serving.
• Passing: Able to pass with basic form using forearms, though may need guidance on positioning and footwork.
• Setting: Can set the ball with two hands, but consistency and accuracy still developing.
• Attacking: May attempt to hit the ball but is still learning basic hitting form.
• Defense: Understands basic principles of blocking and digging, but timing and execution need improvement.
• Game Understanding: Basic understanding of positions, rotations, and scoring rules.

Age 13-14 

• Serving: Confident with both underhand and overhand serves, with increasing accuracy and power.
• Passing: More consistent passing with an improved platform. Beginning to move to the ball effectively and pass to target.
• Setting: Sets the ball more accurately, with some understanding of tempo and location. Focus on setting for different hitters.
• Attacking: Developing an approach to hitting, can attack with some power, but may struggle with timing and placement.
• Defense: More consistent digging and passing from different positions. Still developing blocking skills and footwork.
• Game Understanding: Can play according to the team’s strategy, has a clearer understanding of rotations, and begins to read the game more effectively.

Age 15-16

• Serving: Strong overhand serve, capable of serving to different zones with varying speed and spin.
• Passing: Very consistent in passing to the setter, able to read the server and adjust position. Can pass from various angles and serve receive formations.
• Setting: Sets with consistency and accuracy, understands tempo and is beginning to vary sets based on hitter’s needs.
• Attacking: Can attack effectively, with a solid approach and timing. Understanding of shot selection (e.g., line, cross-court, off-speed).
• Defense: Skilled in digging and transitioning to offense. Effective blocking with improved timing and anticipation.
• Game Understanding: Strong understanding of strategy, including court positioning, opponent tendencies, and team play. Begins to read the opposing team’s offense and defense.

Age 17 

• Serving: Powerful and consistent overhand serve, capable of varying speed, spin, and placement to disrupt the opponent’s serve receive.
• Passing: Elite-level passing, consistently passing accurately to the setter in difficult conditions, capable of adjusting footwork quickly.
• Setting: Precise and tactical in setting. Able to set a variety of tempos and locations based on the hitter’s strengths. Excellent decision-making in fast-paced situations.
• Attacking: Strong, accurate, and well-timed attacks with diverse shot selection. Able to hit the ball with power, control, and placement.
• Defense: Outstanding in all defensive aspects, including reading the opponent’s attack, digging, and blocking. Quick footwork and anticipation.
• Game Understanding: Deep understanding of game strategy, able to execute advanced tactics and adjust to various playing styles. Effective communicator and leader on the court.

These expectations are meant to be general guides and can vary depending on the level of play or coaching philosophy. They provide a progression of skills as players grow and develop in volleyball.