This study examines the role of deliberate practice of ten experts (world-class) and 10 intermediate (collegiate/recreational) female volleyball players in Brazil. The study is framed by theories of deliberate practice (K.A. Ericsson et al, 1993) and deliberate play (Côté, 1999, 2003). Findings are contrasted, compared and analyzed with other previous studies on team sports and individual sports, both in Brazil (Moraes & Salmella, 2003) as well as in western countries (Helsen et al, 1998; Starkes et al, 2001). Major tenets, hypothesis and predictions emphasized by Ericsson and colleagues (1993) are discussed. Multiple data sources (in depth retrospective interviews, time line chart, event map and field notes) are analyzed, transcribed and coded adopting major theoretical themes. Findings from qualitative analysis reveal a distinct model of expertise associated with high-level social clubs system and the national talent development program in Brazil. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows a statistical difference between groups on total amount of practice (effects for group (2, 160) = F =31.89, p <.01, age (8, 160) = F = 11.07, p <.01, and the age x group interaction, (16, 160) = F = 2.47, p < .01.). Significant main effects were superseded by the significant interaction. Experts experienced more practice time per week and more overall amount of competition than intermediate peers. By age of 15, young female experts were fully committed to practicing at high-level clubs, endured through a sacrificial selection process with little financial support but with some psychological support from their families. Amount of practice, quality of coaching and level of competition were the main factors on expertise for those female athletes who negotiated effort, motivation and resources constraints in order to achieve excellence in their chosen domain. Findings confirm the 10 yr-10.000 hrs rule predicted by Ericsson, confirm engagement in deliberate play prior to organized sport participation, but expand both theories in regard to the amount of practice, the role of coaching and the role of families on experts' careers. Participants reported a broader concept of deliberate practice specific to volleyball. These findings differ from previous studies done in Brazil in soccer, swimming and rhythmic gymnastic (Moraes & Salmella, 2003), as well as other individual and team sports from other cultural contexts (Helsen et al, 1998; Starkes, 2001).Keyword(s): . NA