Beach Volleyball Research Articles

Energy Availability in Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes.

Willingham, BD, Daou, M, VanArsdale, J, Thomas, M, and Saracino, PG. Energy availability in female collegiate beach volleyball athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1941-1950, 2024-Low energy availability (LEA) is a present risk for many female athletes. Yet, the literature on LEA is often reliant on single, short-term, snapshots, which may not be reflective of the chronic energy balance surrounding female athletes in sport. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the current prevalence of LEA in female collegiate beach volleyball athletes during the preseason and across the competitive season. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare measures of EA (i.e., dietary intake, activity energy expenditure [EE], body composition) and EE (i.e., resting metabolic rate and thermic effect of feeding) at 4 timepoints-once in the preseason (i.e., Fall), and 3 times across the 10-week competitive season in Spring (i.e., week 1, week 5, and week 9). Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Although mean EA was in the subclinical zone (i.e., 30-45 kcal·kg FFM-1·d-1) at each timepoint, the prevalence of LEA for individuals was 30.8% in the preseason, 37.5% at week 1, 25.0% at week 5, and 62.5% at week 9. Further, carbohydrate intake was below the recommended range for power athletes at each timepoint, suggesting that female beach volleyball athletes with LEA may benefit from increasing carbohydrate intake. Despite no statistical differences in body mass across the season (p = 0.577), there was a trend for increasing fat-free mass (p = 0.062) as the season progressed. Importantly, LEA is not a team-wide condition but an individual one. Therefore, approaches to mitigate LEA should be individualized.

Fungal Skin Infections in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece

Background/Objectives: Fungal infections, commonly referred to as mycoses, are widespread and affect various parts of the body. Common types of fungal skin infections include tinea pedis, tinea unguim, tinea cruris, tinea versicolor, and tinea manuum. Athletes, in particular, are at a higher risk of contracting these infections due to several factors inherent to their training and competitive environments. Methods: This research examined the incidence, anatomical distribution, and seasonal occurrence of fungal skin infections among beach volleyball athletes in Greece. The study cohort consisted of 785 participants, with an average age of 28.4 years. Variables recorded included gender, the seasonal periods during which athletes might be more prone to injuries, and the specific body areas affected by fungal infections. In addition, training-related data such as weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were collected. Results: Incidence rates correlated in relation to gender: male, tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea manuum (p < 0.010); number of weekly trainings: tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea unguium (p < 0.043), tinea cruris (p < 0.008), tinea versicolor (p < 0.038), tinea manuum (p < 0.043); average hours of daily training: tinea unguium (p < 0.039), tinea manuum (p < 0.039). Conclusions: Athletic activities often involve exposure to warm, moist conditions that promote fungal growth. Locker rooms, showers, and equipment can harbor fungi, spreading infections among athletes. Understanding these infections is essential for effective prevention and management, as they can impact performance and health if untreated. Proper hygiene, antifungal treatments, and public health measures are crucial to reducing the risk in athletic settings.

Comparison of Countermovement Jump Strategy With and Without An Arm Swing

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is commonly used to assess both acute neuromuscular performance as well as adaptions to periods of training. Two methodologies are typically employed when performing the CMJ assessment. The first allows for the use of an arm swing (AS) to add a level of sport-specificity to the testing. The second restricts the movement of the arms (NAS) to allow for an assessment of the musculature of only the lower body. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine differences in jump strategy between the two methodologies. Twenty-five female Division I collegiate athletes (volleyball = 13, beach volleyball = 12) participated in this investigation. Participants performed two CMJ in both the AS and NAS conditions. A paired samples t-test was used to evaluate differences in jump performance and jump strategy variables. During the braking phase of the CMJ statistical higher force values (p < 0.01) were seen in the NAS condition while longer phase durations were present in the AS condition (p < 0.001). No difference was seen in braking net impulse. During the propulsive phase statistically greater duration was seen in the AS condition (p < 0.001) leading to a greater propulsive net impulse (p < 0.001). The AS condition also displayed greater jump heights, countermovement depth and time to take off durations (p < 0.001) with no differences in reactive strength index modified. When performing CMJ assessments practitioners should consider which methodology they use carefully as the NAS assessment used a more force driven strategy while the AS used a time driven strategy.

Sequential Decision Making in Beach Volleyball-A Mixed-Method Approach.

Which opponent player to sequentially serve to in beach volleyball is crucial given the advantage of the attacking team. The sequential choice theory was tested in three studies by analyzing allocation strategies based on the hot hand belief. Study 1 showed strong belief in the hot hand of national coaches. In Study 2, we analyzed Tokyo Olympics data to explore how base rates and sequential selection rates varied in an elite sample. When base rates of players differed by 0.25, low-performing players were frequently selected. In an experiment with elite athletes, Study 3A demonstrated accurate base-rate-difference recognition but low base-rate-change recognition. Study 3B found that the hot hand is believed to be important but is not often detected. We conclude that players and coaches follow predictions of the sequential choice theory and believe in the hot hand, but do not have a shared understanding of how to use it.

Effect of training in a sandy environment on foot morphology and function

BackgroundAthletes need to enhance their foot function to improve their performance and prevent injuries and disability. Although foot function is believed to be improved by stabilizing the body on an unstable surface (e.g., a sandy beach), there have been no relevant studies to our knowledge. Here, we identified the differences in foot and balance functions between beach volleyball and volleyball players and investigated the effects of sandy surface training. MethodsWe included six male beach volleyball players (BVB group) and six male volleyball players (VB group). The following six parameters were measured and compared between the groups: foot morphology, plantar surface perception, isometric ankle muscle strength, toe grip strength, static balance, and dynamic balance. ResultsThe BVB group had significantly higher values in sensation perception, isometric ankle dorsiflexion muscle strength, and toe grip strength in the standing posture, with significant intrinsic foot muscle dominance, compared to the VB group. ConclusionPlaying barefoot increases the amount of tactile information received from the surface of the sole, which may lead to enhanced sensory perception by the foot. In addition, owing to the unstable sandy surface, the intrinsic muscles of the foot and lower leg may strengthen to maintain balance; therefore, training on a sandy surface may lead to improved foot and balance functions.

Relationships between morphological features and physical performance depend on sex and age groups: a cross-sectional study among Brazilian beach volleyball players.

Understanding the evolution of morphological features and their relationship with physical performance may assist coaches and institutions in developing the next generation of beach volleyball (BV) athletes for senior-level competition. Thus, this study analyzed the morphological features of Brazilian BV athletes by sex among age groups, and their relationship with physical performance. A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate Brazilian BV players of both sexes in the U15 (11-14 years old, N.=21), U18 (15-17 years old, N.=21) and Senior (≥18 years old, N.=19) categories. The players underwent a series of kinanthropometric tests, including morphological (anthropometry, body composition and somatotype), neuromuscular (flexibility, handgrip strength, vertical jump [VJ], agility, and 5-m and 10-m maximum-speed sprints), and metabolic (VO<inf>2max</inf>) measurements. Welch analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the categories and the relationship between morphological and physical performance features was analyzed using Pearson's coefficient (r). Significant differences were found among the categories for female (body mass, skeletal muscle mass, hamstring flexibility, handgrip strength [HGS]) and male (body mass, height, BMI, skeletal muscle mass, flexibility, HGS, vertical jump, agility, maximum-speed sprints, and VO<inf>2max</inf>) players. Moreover, moderate, and strong correlations were identified between morphological features and physical performance (-0.90≤r≤0.89). The morphological and physical performance features of BV athletes varied among the U15, U18, and Senior categories, as expected due to their physical training process. Additionally, there are several morphological features that are correlated with physical performance, but the magnitude seems to depend on sex and category.

Physical performance and game demands in beach volleyball

The physical-conditional aspects of the game are a significant research area, focusing on game demands, strength, and kinematic features. This study aimed to synthesise the current state of the art regarding beach volleyball's physical demands. This systematic literature review was conducted in March 2024, following the PRISMA criteria and methodological quality scales. The databases consulted were SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data concerning study design, sample size, gender, age-group category, player role, and performance level were considered. The risk of bias was assessed using the 12-item MINORS methodological index scale. A total of 19 studies were included, considering male (6), female (9) or both genders (4) as a sample. According to the athletes’ level of performance, 25% of the studies assessed players at the developmental or national level, 50% explored the international context, and the remaining 25% were with elite players. Data regarding game demands, mechanical outcomes related to jump and power, kinematic variables concerning distance covered and running speed, and kinetic measurements for acceleration and deceleration actions are displayed. The data provided by the current review allow a precise comparison, addressing specific performance profiles and future research challenges from the lack of knowledge about this topic.

Are there differences in the kinetic parameters of the vertical jump performed by beach volleyball players on different types of sand?

Beach volleyball (BV) is an intermittent sport characterised by short-duration and highly demanding activities with low intensity periods. Establishing if players' jump ability is influenced by sand granulometry is a useful information for sport scientists, coaches and players. This study aimed to assess the possible differences in the kinetics parameters of the vertical jump on different types of sand performed by BV players. Twelve elite female players performed six countermovement jumps (CMJs) in three different surface conditions (fine sand, reference, coarse sand) in a random counterbalanced order (216 jumps). A generalised mixed model approach detected differences for CMJ model in total duration (p: 0.016), eccentric phase duration (p: 0.007), concentric phase duration (p: 0.011), time to peak power (p: < 0.001), time to peak force (p: 0.014), maximum rate force development concentric phase (p: 0.004), maximum velocity (p: 0.028) and peak power eccentric (p: 0.018). Coarse sand decreases the time spent jumping compared to fine sand, without a penalty to jump height. Coaches and athletes should take this information into account to enhance their understanding of practice strategies and game conditions. One might anticipate a faster pace in games played on coarse sand and a slower pace on fine sand.

Possibilities of Ecotourism Development in Rani Mahal Area, Palpa, Western Nepal

Nepal has significant potential for tourism due to its diverse flora and fauna, rich culture, and abundance of mountains, historical sites, and religious places. This study assesses the potential for ecotourism development in the Rani Mahal area of Palpa district. The research was based on Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and field observations. In total, FGDs were conducted in five locations, and 38 KIIs were carried out. The study found that ecotourism activities such as white-water rafting, beach volleyball, homestays, and hiking are feasible in the Rani Mahal area. White-water rafting in the Kali Gandaki River (from Ridi to Ramdi) and beach volleyball in the Rani Mahal area were identified as highly promising for ecotourism. Similarly, homestays in Bote village (Dailathun) and Satuka (Syangja) were also found to have high potential. Additionally, hiking routes from Rani Mahal to Magar homestay (Baugha Gumha), Alamdevi temple (Syangja), Argali, and Ridi offer great potential for ecotourism activities. The results of this study provide valuable insights into tourism planning, infrastructure development, and the sustainable development of ecotourism in the Rani Mahal area.

Validity and reliability of My Jump 2® app to measure the vertical jump on elite women beach volleyball players.

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the My Jump 2® app in measuring jump height, flight time, and peak power among elite women beach volleyball players on sand surfaces. Eleven elite female beach volleyball players (aged 23.6 ± 6.2 years; weight 66.3 ± 5.8 kg; height 174.4 ± 5.8 cm; with 8.4 ± 4.8 years of professional experience) participated in this study. Each player performed six countermovement jumps in a wooden box filled with sand on a force platform while simultaneously recording a video for subsequent analysis using the My Jump 2® app. We found excellent agreement for flight time, jump height and peak power between observers (ICC = 0.92, 0.91 and 0.97, respectively). No significant differences between force platform and My Jump 2® app were detected in the values obtained for the three variables (P > 0.05). For the force platform and the My Jump 2® app, we found a good agreement measuring jump height and flight time (ICC = 0.85 and 0.85, respectively). However, we only found a moderate agreement for peak power (ICC = 0.64). The difference in jump height showed a limit of agreement between -4.10 and 4.74 cm in Bland-Altman, indicating a high level of agreement between the two measurement tools. Based on our findings, the My Jump 2® app reveals a valid tool for measuring jump height and flight time of CMJ on sand surfaces. However, more caution is needed when measuring peak power.

The mental fatigue impaired beach volleyball attack technical-tactical performance: a crossover and randomized study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mental fatigue on the technical-tactical performance of beach volleyball players. Twelve males young beach volleyball players (16.1 ± 0.9 years old) were recruited to participate in this crossover and randomized study. The simulated match was performed under two conditions (control: 30 min without performing cognitive activities; mental fatigue: 30 min performing Stroop Task). The match is recorded and technical-tactical performance was calculated (coefficient of performance and/or efficiency of serve, serve reception, set, attack, block, and dig actions). The mental fatigue was “moderate” after Stroop Task, and statistically significant compared to the control condition [Mental fatigue: 62.5 mm ± 8.8 Vs. Control: 6.4 mm ± 4.1; p = .0001; ES: 0.9 (moderate effect)]. Moreover, attack coefficient of performance and efficiency was lower in mental fatigue condition that control condition (CP: Mental Fatigue= 1.5 ± 0.4 Vs. Control= 2.3 ± 0.2, p = .001; Eff: Mental Fatigue = 23.7 ± 7.0 Vs. Control = 36.0 ± 9.5; p = .004). In conclusion, mental fatigue impaired attack performance of beach volleyball players (one of the main key to win in this sport). Thus, is recommended avoid cognitive tasks or high cognitive effort before training and matches. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto de la fatiga mental en el rendimiento técnico-táctico de los jugadores de voleibol de playa. Se reclutaron doce jugadores jóvenes de voleibol de playa masculino (16.1 ± 0.9 años) para participar en este estudio cruzado y aleatorizado. El partido simulado se llevó a cabo bajo dos condiciones (control: 30 minutos sin realizar actividades cognitivas; fatiga mental: 30 minutos realizando la Tarea de Stroop). El partido se registró y se calculó el rendimiento técnico-táctico (coeficiente de rendimiento y/o eficiencia de saque, recepción de saque, colocación, ataque, bloqueo y acciones de defensa). La fatiga mental fue "moderada" después de la Tarea de Stroop y estadísticamente significativa en comparación con la condición de control [Tarea de Stroop: 62,5 mm ± 8.8 frente a Control: 6.4 mm ± 4.1; p = .0001; ES: 0.9 (efecto moderado)]. Además, el coeficiente de rendimiento y la eficiencia del ataque fueron más bajos en la fatiga mental que en la condición de control (CR: Fatiga Mental = 1.5 ± 0.4 frente a Control = 2.3 ± 0.2, p = .001; Eficiencia: Fatiga Mental = 23.7 ± 7.0 frente a Control = 36.0 ± 9.5; p = .004). En conclusión, la fatiga mental afectó el rendimiento de ataque de los jugadores de voleibol de playa (uno de los principales elementos clave para ganar en el deporto). Por lo tanto, se recomienda evitar tareas cognitivas o un alto esfuerzo cognitivo antes de los entrenamientos y los partidos. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da fadiga mental no desempenho técnico-tático de jogadores de voleibol de praia. Doze jogadores jovens do sexo masculino (16.1 ± 0.9 anos) foram recrutados para participar deste estudo cruzado e randomizado. A partida simulada foi realizada sob duas condições (controle: 30 minutos sem realizar atividades cognitivas; fadiga mental: 30 minutos realizando a Tarefa de Stroop). A partida foi registrada e o desempenho técnico-tático foi calculado (coeficiente de desempenho e/ou eficiência de saque, recepção de saque, levantamento, ataque, bloqueio e ações de defesa). A fadiga mental foi considerada "moderada" após a Tarefa de Stroop e estatisticamente significativa em comparação com a condição de controle [Tarefa de Stroop: 62.5 mm ± 8.8 vs. Controle: 6.4 mm ± 4.1; p = .0001; ES: 0.9 (efeito moderado)]. Além disso, o coeficiente de desempenho e a eficiência do ataque foram menores na fadiga mental do que na condição de controle (CD: Fadiga Mental = 1.5 ± 0.4 vs. Controle = 2.3 ± 0.2, p = .001; Eficiência: Fadiga Mental = 23.7 ± 7.0 vs. Controle = 36.0 ± 9.5; p = .004). Em conclusão, a fadiga mental prejudicou o desempenho de ataque dos jogadores de voleibol de praia (um dos principais elementos-chave para vencer no esporte). Portanto, é recomendado evitar tarefas cognitivas ou esforço cognitivo elevado antes dos treinos e das partidas.

Prevalence of Skin Injuries in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece.

Background: Skin injuries often affect the sports community. Almost every type of athletic activity is associated with traumatic skin injuries, such as surface wounds, bruising, abrasions, subcutaneous hematomas, blunt trauma, nail injuries, friction burns, and blisters. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the rates, location sites, and seasons of appearance of skin injuries in beach volleyball athletes in Greece. Seven hundred and eighty-five beach volleyball athletes participated in this study. The average age was 28.4 years. Skin injuries included superficial wounds (erosions, incisions, lacerations), deep wounds, hematomas, nail lacerations, friction burns, and friction blisters. The recorded variables encompassed gender, age, the time of year when athletes might be at higher risk of injuries, and the specific body regions affected. Additionally, data regarding training details such as years of practice, weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were also documented. Results: Incidence rates correlated to gender: (a) superficial wounds (p < 0.001), (b) years of training: hematomas (p < 0.001), and (c) average hours of daily training: superficial wounds (p < 0.001), deep wounds (p < 0.001), and friction blisters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although early detection, recognition, and treatment are essential, the prevention of skin injuries can also be linked to health and athletic performance.

A single session of a beach volleyball exergame did not improve state anxiety level in healthy adult women

This study evaluated the acute effect of the exergame Kinect Sports® beach volleyball on state anxiety level in adult women. Thirty healthy adult women (age: 21 [4] years, body mass: 54.70 [19.50] kg, height: 1.61 ± 0.05 m, and body mass index: 21.87 [5.76] kg/m2, data are expressed as median [interquartile range] and as the mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to play an exergame of beach volleyball in singleplayer mode session (intervention session) for ~ 30 min using the Xbox 360 Kinect® or remained seated (control session). State anxiety was evaluated before and after the intervention and control sessions through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. State anxiety obtained in both sessions (exergame and control) was classified as intermediate before (median: 36.00 [IQR: 4.75] and mean = 38.73 ± 7.23, respectively) and after (mean: 34.86 ± 6.81 and mean: 37.66 ± 8.44, respectively). Friedman test found no time significant effect on state anxiety of the sessions (χ2 [3] = 6.45, p-value = 0.092, Kendall’s W = 0.07 “trivial”). In conclusion, the present study showed that there were no significant differences in the state anxiety level after an acute session of the exergame beach volleyball.

Prevalence of sunscreen use and sunburn in Greek athletes: a cross-sectional study.

Athletes participating in outdoor sports are in a high-risk category for prolonged sun exposure. This study investigates whether swimmers and beach volleyball athletes adopt appropriate measures to protect their skin from the sun. Sunscreens play a key role in protecting the skin from solar radiation and preventing premature aging. The study assesses the frequency of sunscreen use and the incidence of sunburn among athletes. Athletes completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding their sun protection and exposure habits. Participants aged 9 to 60 years, engaged in swimming (N.=1047) and beach volleyball (N.=785), were included in this study. In the group of swimmers (N.=858), a notable percentage never used sunscreen, and among those who did, (N.=137), natural products were predominantly applied. Gender differences revealed a significantly higher sunscreen usage (P<0.001) among female swimmers compared to males. Among beach volleyball athletes, sunscreen use was notably higher (90%), with 55.6% applying natural sunscreen and 44.4% opting for non-natural alternatives. Regarding the incidence of sunburn, the occurrence among both male and female swimmers was observed to be very low. Among those with sunburn, females exhibited a significantly higher frequency than males (P<0.001). Conversely, in beach volleyball athletes, sunburn affected a higher percentage of males (49.8%) than females (43.9%). Sunscreen utilization is notably insufficient among athletes, reflecting a limited awareness of the potential risks associated with sun exposure, even though they frequently suffer from sunburn. This heightened susceptibility places them at an increased risk of developing skin lesions. Initiating and disseminating awareness campaigns that specifically emphasize the importance of sunscreen use within the outdoor sports community is imperative.

Differences in Game Dynamics between High-Level Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Matches.

The aim of this research is to verify whether there is a difference in the average duration of the active and passive phases of the game between volleyball and beach volleyball. A total of 2392 active and passive phases were measured during high-level volleyball and beach volleyball matches for males. Matches were played by four teams (53 players) in indoor volleyball (age 29 ± 4.94 years) and five teams (10 players) in beach volleyball (age 28.27 ± 6.64 years). Possible differences were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. The average duration of the active phase in volleyball is 5.55 s ± 4.38 s. In beach volleyball, the active phase lasts marginally longer, at 6.00 s ± 3.44 s. The average duration of the passive phase in volleyball is 35.27 s ± 25.96 s and it lasts longer than the average passive phase in beach volleyball at 33.82 s ± 22.98 s. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.00) between the active phases in volleyball (Md = 3.53, n = 727) and beach volleyball (Md = 3.43, n = 484), U = 140770.00, z = -5.90 with small effect according to Cohen's criterion (r = 0.14). The Mann-Whitney U test (U = 160773.00, z = -1.10) showed no statistically significant difference in the average duration of the passive phases at volleyball and beach volleyball. This research determined that there is a statistically significant difference in the average duration of the active phase between volleyball and beach volleyball. The new insights gained in this research can support a more precise programming of training intensity in high-level volleyball and beach volleyball.

Comparative analysis of recording system for collecting kinematic data in beach volleyball

Comparative analysis of recording system for collecting kinematic data in beach volleyball

Изучение эргономических факторов: влияние ветра на подачу мяча в пляжном волейболе

In the article, the authors consider one of the actively developing sports in the world and Russia – beach volleyball. Comparative analysis revealed the features of classic and beach volleyball and interdependent factors. The purpose of the scientific study was to determine the effect of wind on the delivery of various methods in beach volleyball. To conduct a scientific study, video and photographic materials were collected and studied, on which an analysis was carried out and the main phases of motor activity were identified. Applied research was carried out in the study of the profile subject “Biomechanics of motional activity”, biomechanical actions in the game and the main ergonomic factor in the chosen sport were revealed. With the help of ergonomic biomechanical factors, the features of classic and beach volleyball are determined. The main ergonomic natural factor was identified, which is the wind as a physical phenomenon that affects not only the trajectory of motor actions, in which the serve acts as the main link in the development of the concept of the game, but also the influence of atmospheric phenomena on the stability of the support and movement of the body in space.

Analyzing the psychological variables linked to performance in beach volleyball: an integrative review and practical recommendations

Beach volleyball is an important team sport in which physical, technical, tactical and psychological/social aspects are fundamental to sporting performance. However, this is the first review to analyse scientific production on psychological variables in beach volleyball. This is an integrative review in which a systematic search was carried out in five electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus/EBSCO, SciELO, Scopus and BIREME) until September 2022. The terms used were "beach volleyball" OR "voleibol de praia" OR "vôlei de praia". In addition, the search included research with athletes, acute and chronic outcomes, and studies of various methods (e.g. experimental, observational) involving psychological variables. The initial search identified 652 articles, and after the manual search and application of the inclusion criteria, 18 studies were integrated into a final synthesis. Most of the studies were published between 2011 and 2022 (n= 14; 77.78%). Observational design was the main method used (n= 10; 55.56%). The studies were grouped into nine major topics for synthesis: stress situation, activation levels, concentration, goal orientation and motivation, mental fatigue and performance, anxiety and performance, discouraging environments, relationships between team members, coping strategies. In general, social relationships and self-control appear significant for performance; thus coaches must serve as role models for players and sports psychologists can aid in monitoring psychological variables, team dynamics, and develop psychological skills. El voley playa es un importante deporte de equipo en el que los aspectos físicos, técnicos, tácticos y psicológicos/sociales son fundamentales para el rendimiento deportivo. Sin embargo, esta es la primera revisión que analiza la producción científica sobre variables psicológicas en voley playa. Se trata de una revisión integradora en la que se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en cinco bases de datos electrónicas (PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus/EBSCO, SciELO, Scopus y BIREME) hasta septiembre de 2022. Los términos utilizados fueron "beach volleyball" OR "voleibol de praia" OR "vôlei de praia". Además, la búsqueda incluyó investigaciones con atletas, intervenciones agudas y crónicas, estudios de diversos métodos (e.g., experimentales, observacionales) que implicaran variables psicológicas. La búsqueda inicial identificó 652 artículos y, después de la búsqueda manual y la aplicación de los criterios de inclusión, 18 estudios se integraron en una síntesis final. La mayoría de los estudios fueron publicados entre 2011 y 2022 (n= 14; 77,78%). El diseño observacional fue el principal método utilizado (n= 10; 55,56%). Los estudios se agruparon en nueve grandes temas para la síntesis: situación de estrés, niveles de activación, concentración, orientación a objetivos y motivación, fatiga mental y rendimiento, ansiedad y rendimiento, entornos desalentadores, relaciones entre los miembros del equipo, estrategias de afrontamiento. Las relaciones sociales y el autocontrol parecen ser importantes para el rendimiento, por lo que los entrenadores deben comportarse como modelos para los deportistas. Además, los psicólogos deportivos pueden ayudar a controlar las variables psicológicas, la dinámica del equipo y a desarrollar habilidades psicológicas. O voleibol de praia é um importante esporte coletivo em que aspectos físicos, técnicos, táticos e psicológicos/sociais são fundamentais para o desempenho esportivo. No entanto, esta é a primeira revisão que teve como objetivo analisar a produção científica sobre variáveis psicológicas no voleibol de praia. Essa é uma revisão integrativa em que foi realizada uma busca em cinco bases de dados eletrônicas (PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus/EBSCO, SciELO, Scopus e BIREME) até setembro de 2022, de forma sistemática. Os temos usados foram “beach volleyball” OU “voleibol de praia” OU “vôlei de praia”. Além disso, foram incluídos nessa busca pesquisas com atletas, intervenções agudas e crônicas, estudos de vários métodos (e.g., experimental, observacional) que envolviam variáveis psicológicas. A busca inicial identificou 652 artigos, após a busca manual e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão, 18 estudos foram integrados a uma síntese final. A maioria dos estudos foi publicada entre 2011 e 2022 (n= 14; 77,78%). O desenho observacional foi o principal método utilizado (n= 10; 55,56%). Os estudos foram agrupados em nove grandes tópicos para síntese: situação de estresse, níveis de ativação, concentração, orientação para metas e motivação, fadiga mental e desempenho, ansiedade e desempenho, ambientes desanimadores, relacionamento entre as partes da equipe, estratégias de enfrentamento. As relações sociais e o autocontrole parecem importantes para o desempenho, portanto treinadores devem se comporta como modelo para os atletas. Além disso, psicólogos do esporte podem ajudar a monitorizar as variáveis psicológicas, na dinâmica da equipa e desenvolver de competências psicológicas.

Differences in external load among indoor and beach volleyball players during elite matches.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine relationships of external load variables between beach and indoor volleyball amongst individual positions on the team. The movements of eight beach and fourteen indoor female volleyball players were recorded during elite playoff matches; in total, 2,336 three-dimensional trajectories were analyzed. Time-outs and intervals between rallies or sets were excluded from active play time. In both beach and indoor volleyball, 80% of rallies lasted up to 10 s, and players covered 4.5 to 10 m of court during 60% of rally play. Differences in dependent variables of external load were found between independent variables of sports and player positions (p < 0.05). The distance covered in beach volleyball rallies and Player Load™ parameters was significantly higher by up to 23%. The unstable court surface with sand in beach volleyball elevated explosive Player Load™ (accelerations in all three orthogonal planes of motion higher than 3.5 m/s3) in beach volleyball players compared to those of players on stable flooring in indoor. While beach volleyball blocker and defender positions showed no significant difference in parameters between each other, they differed in all parameters when compared to player positions in indoor volleyball. Indoor blocker and libero reached higher loads than setter, outside and opposite positions in various parameters. Factors that influence external load include the larger relative court areas covered by each player in beach volleyball, complexity of players' roles, and game strategy. This data adds to the knowledge of elite match demands in female volleyball. Specified agility-drill distances and times are essential for training optimization and must be supported by scientific observation. Researchers, coaches, and conditioning specialists should find this helpful for achieving a higher degree of training regulation.

An Introduction to Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball has been one of the fastest-growing sports over the past 30 years, and its continued popularity due to the Olympics and expanded global media coverage has caused schools to see the benefits of adding beach volleyball to their curriculum. It also makes an excellent lifetime sport due to the low impact of playing in the sand. This article will share instructional ideas for teaching beach volleyball concepts with or without a sand court for physical education grades 6-12. Included in the article are offensive strategies, serving strategies, defensive strategies, and equipment