Characteristics of Serve, Reception and Set That Determine the Setting Efficacy in Men's Volleyball

The Decision-Making of High-Level Volleyball Setters in the 2021-2022 Volleyball Men's Superliga: Does the Opponent Matter?

Our primary objective in this study was to investigate the offensive strategies employed in the attack phase of men's volleyball, specifically focusing on side-out as stratified by the type of confrontation that was determined by the opponent's team performance. We analyzed 5524 attacking actions during 22 games of the 12 teams that participated in the Volleyball Men's Superliga (season 2021-2022). Based on their final rankings in the championship, we classified these teams into three tiers: high-performance, intermediate-performance, and low-performance. Subsequently, we examined the dynamics of these matches using Social Network Analysis. We found that the opponent teams' performance levels did not influence the game dynamics. Notably, the eigenvector values were prominently higher for Attack Zones 2 and 4, wherein the middle-blocker jumped to attack close to the setter across all networks. Thus, setters opted for traditional and low-risk strategies to minimize errors, disregarding available information about the skill level of the opposing team, making their offensive tactics predictable.

Analysis of the kinematic variables that predict jump serve efficacy among volleyball players

In volleyball, a strong correlation exists between the proper application of kinematics factors and the serve results. Therefore, this study compared the kinematics parameters of the volleyball jump serve among different functional classes and established an appropriate multilinear regression model of performance. This correlational observational study involved thirty male collegiate volleyball players categorized into under twenty-three (U-23) men, under twenty-one (U-21) junior men, and under nineteen (U-19) youth boys. Data acquisition entailed the utilization of synchronized cameras to capture the volleyball serves meticulously, while subsequent data analysis was conducted through the implementation of silicon coach-pro 8 motion analysis software. Analysis of variance and multiple linear regressions were performed to analyze data, with a predetermined significance level of P < .05. Jump serve analysis showed significant mean differences in selected major kinematic variables among all 3 classes (U-23 men, U-21 junior men, and U-19 youth boys). U-23 men Model-3, which includes 3 independent variables (approach velocity [AV], shoulder extension angles during the cocking phase, and center of gravity [CG] height), predicted velocity with an R-square of 1.00, indicating that the selected independent variable caused 100% variation in ball velocity (BV), whereas models 1 and 2 showed 99% variation in BV, respectively. The U-21 Junior men Model-2, which includes 2 independent variables (height of CG and shoulder extension angles during the cocking phase), predicted velocity with an R-square of 9.80, indicating that the selected independent variable caused a 98% variation in BV. In contrast, model 1 showed a 94% variation in BV, respectively. U-19 youth boys Model-1, which includes one independent variable (AV), predicted velocity with an R-square of 0.89, indicating that the selected independent variable caused 89% variation in BV. The jump serve exhibits similar biomechanical characteristics across different classes. However, the major independent variables of the jump serve: U-23 men were AV, shoulder extension angles at cocking phase (SEACP), the height of CG, U-21 junior men were SEACP and height of CG, and U-19 youth boys were SEACP and height of CG AV showed significant with the dependent variable (BV).

Predictors of Ball Velocity in the Sitting Volleyball Serve: A Causal Analysis

This study explored the performance of the Sitting Volleyball serve by investigating the causal factors associated with ball velocity. Thirty-seven athletes underwent anthropometry and strength assessment and performed ten successful maximal effort serves. Ball velocity was measured using a sports radar gun. The hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist angles at the instant of ball impact as well as the height of ball impact were estimated through two-dimensional motion analysis. The causal relationships between variables were described through a linear Structural Equation Model and a Directed Acyclic Graph. Results showed that a smaller hip angle determines a greater shoulder angle, which in turn causes a greater elbow angle. A more open elbow angle together with a greater vertical reach allowed for a greater height of ball impact. Finally, increased height of ball impact along with greater abdominal strength are beneficial for higher ball velocity. These results underlined that the Sitting Volleyball serve is a multifactorial stroke involving anthropometric, technical and strength factors and suggest that athletes should improve their abdominal strength and master the technique necessary to perform the serve with the shoulder and the elbow joints fully extended in order to produce the greatest possible impact on the ball.

Strength Abilities and Serve Reception Efficiency of Youth Female Volleyball Players

Success in volleyball largely depends on motor abilities, particularly on maximum strength, power, jumping, and speed performance. However, a small number of studies assess the relationship between motor abilities and the effectiveness of volleyball technical skills. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of the strength of the upper and lower limbs on the efficiency of serve reception during a 2 vs. 2 game, as well as to evaluate the results of motor measurements in the context of determining the usefulness of current testing procedures. The study involved a carefully chosen group of 12 girls aged 12–13 years (body height: 176.5 ± 4.2 cm, body mass: 58.6 ± 5.1 kg, and training experience: 43 ± 15 months) selected for the Lower Silesian Regional Volleyball Team. The following tests were conducted: handgrip strength with a hand dynamometer, bent-arm hang, 2 kg medicine ball throw, shoulder joint internal rotators (IR) peak torque, standing long jump, spike jump, and countermovement jump. The measurements of the shoulder joint IR peak torque were performed under isometric (at 10°, 35°, and 65° rotation angles) and isokinetic (at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s) conditions. The efficiency of serve reception was evaluated during a 2 vs. 2 games by using Data Volley statistical software. The strongest positive relationships were observed between the serve reception efficiency and the peak torque and power of the shoulder joint IR, the medicine ball throw distance, and handgrip strength. Jumping variables showed no associations with efficient of serve reception. Consequently, we suggest adding protocols to volleyball training that include strength exercises aimed at developing the IR muscle group. The isokinetic upper limb test should be introduced as a valid tool in selection process. Coaches who do not have access to modern research equipment should use the medicine ball throw test to evaluate strength abilities as an alternative assessment of the serve reception efficiency.

Ability to Predict Side-Out Performance by the Setter's Action Range with First Tempo Availability in Top European Male and Female Teams

The aims of this study were to compare the Setter’s action range with availability of first tempo (SARA) between male and female volleyball; and to determine the relationship between several spatial and offensive variables and their influence in the success of the side-out in male and female volleyball. A total of 1302 side-outs (639 male, 663 female) were registered (2019 European Championship). The ranking, reception efficacy, position and trajectory of the setter between reception and set, first tempo availability, side-out result, rotation, and attack lane were analyzed through Recursive Partitioning for classification, regression and survival tree models and classification and regression trees algorithms. Our results present female teams with more reduced SARAs than male teams, meaning female setters tend to play closer to the net. The correlation between the ranking and the distance from the average position of the setter to the ideal setting zone was not significant. A movement of the setter of 30° or less and more than 1 m in distance might improve the performance of the side-out. Depending on the spatial usage of the setter, some rotations might be more successful than others. When assessing performance, the teams should consider the ability to play quick attacks when their reception is not as precise as they would expect.