This is a social league first, volleyball second. Every week, teams are re-drafted so you’re constantly playing with new people. By the end of the season, you’ll have played alongside everyone in the league. It’s the best way to meet people and have a great time on the sand.
Everyone shows up BY 6:30. We’ll draft balanced teams, then play Level Up.
Level Up
Level Up is a progressive handicap format that naturally balances competition. As your team wins, the game gets harder — testing your fundamentals and adaptability.
How It Works
All teams start at Level 1. Win a game, and your team advances one level. Lose, and you stay where you are. Your level = your wins + 1.
Starting at Level 2, your team must play with a handicap assigned to that level. The higher you climb, the tougher the restrictions get.
After pool play, the top four teams (those who reached the highest levels) advance to a single-elimination championship bracket. All handicaps are removed for the playoffs. Tiebreakers are determined by point differential.
The Levels
- Level 1 — Standard play with no handicaps. During the first couple weeks of the season, Level 1 may include a fun social/icebreaker handicap to help everyone get to know each other (e.g., you must learn and use your teammates’ names before every serve, or high-five a teammate after every point).
- Level 2 — Mild restrictions (e.g., all sets must be bump sets, or you must call “mine” before every touch).
- Level 3 — Moderate restrictions (e.g., only female players can attack, or the opposing team picks your strongest hitter to play defense).
- Level 4 — Tough restrictions (e.g., all serves must be underhand, or no blocking at the net).
- Level 5 — Extreme restrictions (e.g., no jumping allowed, or only one touch to get the ball over).
Handicaps are randomly selected each week, so no two nights play the same way.
Baseline Rules (All Levels)
- No touching the net or interfering with play on the other side.
- No lifts.
- No hand setting over the net.
- No open-handed tips.
- Server’s foot may not cross the end line on a serve.
- Players are expected to call their own net violations and lifts honestly.
- All disputes are resolved by replaying the point.
Why It Works
- Social by Design — New teams every week means you meet everyone. No cliques, no strangers by week 3.
- Self-Balancing — Stronger teams naturally get handicapped, giving everyone a shot.
- Skill-Testing — Forces you to rely on fundamentals when your go-to moves are taken away.
- Always Different — Random handicaps and new teammates mean every week is a fresh experience.