Strength and power characteristics of elite South African beach volleyball players

Abstract

This study investigated the strength and power characteristics of 13 elite South African male beach volleyball players. The results indicate that elite beach volleyball players have a mean stature of 185.28 cm (;7.2), mean mass of 82.01 kg (;9.7) and percentage body fat of 13.12% (;2.4). Mean isokinetic peak torque values (Nm) for leg extension at 60 degrees . s -1=268.03, 180 degrees . s-1=188.53, and 240 degrees . s-1=162.61; leg flexion at 60 degrees . s-1=152.65, 180 degrees . s-1=117.65 and 240 degrees . s-1=104.61. Mean isokinetic peak torque values for leg extension relative to body mass (Nm. kg-1) were for extension at 60 degrees . s-1=3.29, 180 degrees . s-1=2.37, and 240 degrees . s-1=2.0 and flexion at 60 degrees . s-1=1.86, 180 degrees . s-1=1.45 and 240 degrees . s-1=1.29. Vertical jump performance (VJP) was evidenced by an average of 61.73 cm (;4.5). The results suggest that elite beach volleyball players have relatively strong legs when compared with studies that assessed sportsmen using isokinetic devices at the same testing speeds. VJP was however modest when compared to previous studies of elite indoor volleyball players. (S. African J. for Research in Sport, Physical Ed. and Recreation: 2002 24 (1): 29-40)