Training, anthropometric, and physical performance profiles of players in the U19 men's volleyball at different in-game role

Abstract

The evolution of its rules has made the demands of different court in-game role more specific in terms of skills. However, it is unclear whether players in the U19 men's volleyball already have specifics according to their in-game role. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the training profiles, anthropometric profiles, and physical performance profiles of male volleyball players aged under 19 at different in-game role. The 353 volleyball players (16.89 ± 0.76 years) were evaluated prior to the Brazilian U19 men's state team championship games. The training profiles were evaluated using a questionnaire; the anthropometric profile was obtained by analyzing the body mass, body height, and arm span; and the physical performance profile was measured by changes in direction, sprint, block jump reach, and spike jump reach tests. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare players' in-game role, with a significance of α<0.05. Opposite hitters and middle blockers had less experience with volleyball (p < 0.001), but higher values for the anthropometric profile measurements (p < 0.001). In addition, the block jump reach and spike jump reach from these in-game role were higher than the setters and liberos (p < 0.001). Thus, male players in the U19 category of volleyball already have some specificities, and profile assessments can be performed to assist in choosing their in-game role.