Performance comparison of middle blockers in female volleyball competitions of the Olympic games 2016 in spike and block techniques

Abstract

Objective: the present research aims to compare the performance of middle blockers in female volleyball competitions of the Olympic Games 2016 in spike and block techniques. Methodology: eight middle blockers were selected at the semi-finals and finals applying purposive sampling. The competition videos were analyzed using Edius software version 7, thirty frames per second. Spikes or blocks were categorized into three categories in rallies: positive, spike, or block which leads directly to points; neutral, spike, or block which does not lead to the rally termination after execution; and negative, spike, or block which leads to point loss. Spike efficiency and block average of each set were calculated by the method proposed by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). Findings: Results revealed that except for the negative spikes and blocks (P=0.971), there was a significant difference between the positive spikes and blocks (P=0.001), neutral spikes and blocks (P=0.001), and their total number (P=0.001). In short, the mean spike efficiency and average block were respectively reported at 39.20% and 0.46 per set. Conclusion: it sounds like middle blockers are mostly employed in defensive tactics, but the efficiency of these players is better in the spike than in the block.