Attack Tempo Research Articles

Inter e intra-variability of the best ranked teams: A network analysis in male high-level volleyball.

The present research objective was to analyze the offensive phase from Complex I in high-level male volleyball teams in a macro- and micro-level view, through the inter e intra-team variability analysis of eight best teams of the 2018 Men's Volleyball World Championship over the social network analysis and eigenvector centrality. The sample consisted of 22 matches and 2,743 offensive actions, resulting in 8 sub-networks with 368 nodes and 6221 edges. The results showed from macro view the variables that presented highest centrality values were Attack Zone 4 (range 0.56-0.90), Attack Tempo 2 (0.65-0.87), Power Attack (0.62-0.94), No Touch Block (0.61-1), Attack Effect Continuity (0.59-0.94), and Middle Blocker Centralized (0.60-0.95). In a micro view, Reception Effect, Play Position, Reception Zone, and Block Composition showed high variability in each sub-network. The intra- and inter-team variability presented the importance of to respect each team idiosyncrasies and to consider the different approaches to the game and success.

The role of performance analysis within the coaching process: Dealing with failure in volleyball side out attack

Performance analysis has been a key-element in team sports such as volleyball for a long time, playing a role in the coaches’ learning through the association of their lived coaching experience with objective data. A discriminant performance indicator on winning a volleyball set is the effectiveness of attack after reception – i.e., side out attack. So, it is important for coaches’ future interventions to identify how expert setters deal with unsuccessful side out attacks. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze, in an elite level competitive context, the setter’s decision making after a failed side out attack. A total of 44 matches were analyzed from the 2014 and the 2018 Men’s World Championships and the 2016 Olympic Games. The sample included all lost side out sequences (SO1), followed by the subsequent side out play (SO2), which resulted in a final sample of 499 “side out” sequences. Results indicated that after a failed side out, using a faster attack tempo was the best way to win the rally, and that in more than half of the sample, setters inverse their setting from SO1 to SO2. Our findings are informative for volleyball coaching, specifically for setting practice, athlete development, in-game decision making and scouting.

Game-Centred Study Using Eigenvector Centrality in High-Level Women’s Volleyball: Play Efficacy is Independent of Game Patterns… Or is it?

In sports, it is often assumed that distinct game patterns may influence the outcome of the play differently. However, a few articles about men’s volleyball have suggested that play efficacy may rely more on the quality of individual attack actions, and not on game patterns. Therefore, the goal of this paper was to scrutinize if and how game patterns influence play efficacy in high-level women’s volleyball. Eigenvector Centrality was assessed to integrate direct and indirect relationships between games actions. Thirteen matches from the women’s World Grand Prix’2015 were analysed (46 sets; 2,016 plays). Actions were categorized according to game complex (K0 to KV) and three levels of the efficacy of each play: error, continuity, and point. The results showed that play efficacy was independent of game patterns (the central pattern was non-ideal setting conditions in all complexes and preference for using slow attacks in the extremities of the net). There were, however, some regularities for each game complex. For example, while in KI to KIII, Zone 4 was the most used attack zone, in KIV and KV there was a complete inversion to Zone 2. Moreover, results revealed that women’s volleyball games are more predictable in relation to the play space (attack zones) while increasing the risk through enhanced game speed (attack tempo), in comparison with what studies in men’s volleyball have shown. Future studies should consider situational variables (e.g., match status, home vs away matches), and individual players’ actions should be considered in order to understand their relationships with team patterns better.

Setting distribution analysis in elite-level men's volleyball: an ecological approach

This study aimed to analyze how situational constraints (lifter distance to attackers and blockers) influenced a volleyball setter’s distribution after reception that allow an organized attack with all attack options and the relationship between the attack tempo and the effect of the attack according to the setting location. The sample comprised 22 games in the 2018 Men's Volleyball World Championship. The results showed that there was a difference in the distribution while considering the distance between the setter and the striker in position 4 [χ2 (4) = 28.657; p <0.001], the striker in position 6 [χ2 (4) = 23.828; p <0.001], the blocker in position 4 [χ2 (4) = 16.566; p = 0.002] and there was an effect of the attack tempo on the effect of attacks performed by position 6 [χ2 (3) = 15.438; p = 0.001]. From these findings, it is clear that the setter's decision-making is related to the ecological dynamics of the game and to situational constraints, with the availability of attackers influencing the setter's distribution and setting, along with the layout of the adversary’s blocking system.

The need for weighting indirect connections between game variables: Social Network Analysis and eigenvector centrality applied to high-level men’s volleyball

ABSTRACTPerformance analysis in volleyball has seldom analysed the interrelationships of game actions under the systemic view of distinct game complexes, and how different patterns of game flow emerge. In this study, we used Social Network Analysis with eigenvector centrality to weight direct and indirect relationships between game actions and to assess the similarities and differences between six game complexes in high-level men’s volleyball. The study sample comprised 10 matches of the final phase of the 2015 World League (1600 game actions). Results indicated that dividing the game into six complexes and analysing game actions as nodes offers a more detailed understanding of the game and highlights the distinct constraints that typify each game complex. Specifically, the use of eigenvector centrality afforded a more accurate weighting of the variables for each complex. Because off-system situations were predominant in several game complexes, i.e.: Setting Condition C in Complex I (0.36), Complex II (0.55), Complex III (0.80) and Complex V (0.58); Attack Zone 4 and 2 in Complex I (0.30 and 0.28), Complex II (0.48 and 0.51), Complex IV (0.55 and 0.48) and Complex V (0.37 and 0.36); and Attack Tempo 3 in Complex I (0.33), Complex II (0.55) and Complex III (0.66). Our results suggest that coaches should prioritise these situations in training.

Rethinking Monolithic Pathways to Success and Talent Identification: The Case of the Women's Japanese Volleyball Team and Why Height is not Everything.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the Japanese National Women’s Volleyball Team and to identify items differentiating it from other teams. All fifteen matches between the six National Teams (i.e., Japan, Brazil, China, Belgium, Turkey and Russia) competing at the Women’s Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals of 2014 were analyzed, in a total of 56 sets and 7,176 situations of ball possession. Data suggested the existence of differences between Japan’s and the other five teams’ gameplay, namely the likelihood of more gameplay with utilization of the float jump serve (20.42; ± 3.79%, very large magnitude) and attack tempo 2 (61.89; ± 29.67%, large magnitude), while exhibiting less gameplay with zero blockers opposing the attack (-42.06; ± 21.28%, large magnitude). Based on these findings, it was concluded that sports success could be achieved even when a core feature of mainstream performance models (e.g., height in volleyball) was lacking.

Análise do ataque do jogador de ponta no voleibol brasileiro masculino

This study aimed to identify and analyse the chances to occur of the attack effects carried out from positions 4 and 6, the left‐side attackers, in the side‐out, according to the reception effect, attack tempo and attack type. It was analyzed 142 games of the 2014‐2015 Men's Superleague, totaling 6185 attacks. The points of attack were predominant by the reception of excellent quality and the powerful attacks. There was difference in the effect of the reception, attack type and attack effect, according to the place of (x2=33,68; p<0,001). Attacks for zone 4 and 6 were characterized by being performed after receptions that allow the organized attack and the power of the attack. The attack place proved to be a differentiator of the attack type carried out, suggesting that the environmental restrictions require the attacker to behave differently according to the place of attack.

High-level female volleyball: analysis of the attack on Superleague Female

O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de analisar a relação entre o tempo e tipo de ataque com o efeito do ataque (eficácia) na Superliga Feminina. Para tal, recorreu-se à análise e observação de 11 jogos, obtendo um total de 1831 ações de ataque. As variáveis investigadas foram o tipo de ataque realizado, o tempo de ataque e o efeito do ataque. A apreciação da análise inferencial dos dados recolhidos, por meio do quiquadrado, constatou que existiu uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre o tipo de ataque e o efeito do ataque (X 2 =577,967; p=0,000), bem como entre o tempo de ataque e o efeito do ataque (X 2 =26,606; p=0,003). A associação entre o tipo de ataque e o efeito do ataque permitiu verificar que o ataque na diagonal foi o mais recorrente e que o ataque colocado permitiu que ocorresse mais do que o esperado a continuidade do jogo. Com relação ao tempo de ataque observou-se que, embora o ataque de 3º tempo ter sido o mais recorrente, houve associação do ponto com o ataque de 1º tempo. Assim o presente estudo permitiu concluir que, para a população analisada, o ataque potente mostrou-se mais recorrente. Além disso, a predominância de um jogo mais lento (3º tempo) favoreceu a continuidade do jogo, entretanto, quando o mesmo foi efetuado com mais velocidade verificou-se o aumento da possibilidade de sucesso no ataque.

High level of Brazilian men´s volleyball: characterization and difference of predictive factors of back row attack

This study aimed to identify the predictive factors of attacks, performed from positions 1 and 6 according to the effect of reception in high level Brazilian male volleyball and to find the predictive factors that differentiate the game practiced from these positions. The sample consisted in the observation of 142 games of the Brazilian Men's Super League, totalling 2969 actions of reception, setting and attack from positions 1 and 6. The significance value adopted was 5% (p ≤ 0.05). The analysis of the predictive factors of the game performed by the attacker of position 1 showed greater chances to score after an excellent (odds ratio adjusted – ORA = 1.48) and moderate effect of reception (ORA = 1.31), the second attack tempo (ORA = 1.32), the powerful attack in parallel (ORA = 1.91) and in diagonal (ORA =3.44). The attacker of position 6 showed higher chances of scoring after a high effect of reception (ORA = 3.39) and powerful attack in the parallel (ORA = 1.53). In conclusion, regardless the effect of reception, the use of the back-row attackers is recommended to increase the uncertainty on the opposing team and the chances to score.

Análise da associação do efeito da recepção com os procedimentos de jogo no voleibol de alto nível brasileiro: o caso da equipe campeã da Superliga Feminina

The present study aimed to analyze the association between effect of reception and game procedures practiced by the women’s “superliga” champion team in the side-out, as well as the behavior of the opposing central blocker, according to the performance level of the opposing team. The sample was composed of the observation of 21 games of the 2015-2016 Women’s “Superliga” champion team. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, SPSS software version 20.0 for Windows and significance of p≤0.05. The results showed that there was an association between performance level of the opposing team with the effect of reception (χ2=12.96 and ɸ =0,14, p=0,01), as well the effect of reception with the central blocker disposal (χ2=13.70 and ɸ =0.14, p=0.01), with the attack tempo (χ2=353.27 and ɸ =0.72, p<0.001), with the attack site (χ2=91.05 and ɸ =0.36, p<0.001) and the attack effect (χ2=30.11 and ɸ =0.21, p<0.001) according to the performance level of the opposing team. Together, the results showed that there were differences in the game procedures according to the opposing team classification, contributing to a better understanding of the game played in high-level women’s volleyball.

Análise da associação do efeito da recepção com os procedimentos de jogo no voleibol de alto nível brasileiro: o caso da equipe campeã da Superliga Feminina

The present study aimed to analyze the association between effect of reception and game procedures practiced by the women’s “superliga” champion team in the side-out, as well as the behavior of the opposing central blocker, according to the performance level of the opposing team. The sample was composed of the observation of 21 games of the 2015-2016 Women’s “Superliga” champion team. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, SPSS software version 20.0 for Windows and significance of p≤0.05. The results showed that there was an association between performance level of the opposing team with the effect of reception (χ2=12.96 and ɸ =0,14, p=0,01), as well the effect of reception with the central blocker disposal (χ2=13.70 and ɸ =0.14, p=0.01), with the attack tempo (χ2=353.27 and ɸ =0.72, p&lt;0.001), with the attack site (χ2=91.05 and ɸ =0.36, p&lt;0.001) and the attack effect (χ2=30.11 and ɸ =0.21, p&lt;0.001) according to the performance level of the opposing team. Together, the results showed that there were differences in the game procedures according to the opposing team classification, contributing to a better understanding of the game played in high-level women’s volleyball.

Entropy measures reveal collective tactical behaviours in volleyball teams: how variability and regularity in game actions influence competitive rankings and match status

This study analysed and compared the influence of match status and final team rankings on variability of tactical performance behaviours within side-out phase, in female volleyball teams of different competitive levels. Performance data were analysed from matches (n = 8 for each level) in the 2012 Olympic women’s volleyball competition (elite level) and the Portuguese women’s league (national level) in the 2014–2015 season, with a total of 1496 rallies observed. Variability of setting conditions, attack zone, attack tempo and block opposition were assessed using Shannon entropy measures. Magnitude-based inferences were used to analyse and compare values of selected variables. Results showed that current match status had no influence on tactical performance of elite teams showing that they adapted their collective organisation without losing their game patterns. Analysis of final team rankings showed that, at national level, the highest ranked teams revealed greater unpredictability in all tactical performance measures (mainly in attack tempo and block opposition), emphasising the importance of the setter to differentiate performance of national teams. These findings may guide coaches in designing practice contexts for developing specific game patterns (setting conditions) and in seeking greater variability in other game actions (in attack), regardless of competitive level of performance.

Voleibol: análise do ataque realizado a partir do fundo da quadra na Superliga Masculina Brasileira

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n2p233 The aim of this study was to identify the effect of attacks from positions 1 and 6 in high-level Brazilian Men’s Volleyball in order to understand the offensive structure of the game. The sample was composed of the observation of 142 2014-2015 Men’s Superleague games, totaling 2969 reception, set and attack actions from positions 1 and 6. The results showed association between place of attack, attack tempo, type of attack and effect of attack (p&lt;0.001). The results showed that the point of attack, when it is performed from position 6, is associated with parallel attack, while, when analyzing position 1, the point of attack is associated with potent diagonal attack. Furthermore, placed attack was associated with game continuity, as well as with low-quality receptions (b and c). In this context, it was concluded the attacking position influences the attack efficacy, according to time and type of attack.

Predicting Factors of Zone 4 Attack in Volleyball.

This study examined 142 volleyball games of the Men's Super League 2014/2015 seasons in Brazil from which we analyzed 24-26 games of each participating team, identifying 5,267 Zone 4 attacks for further analysis. Within these Zone 4 attacks, we analyzed the association between the effect of the attack carried out and the separate effects of serve reception, tempo and type of attack. We found that the reception, tempo of attack, second tempo of attack, and power of diagonal attack were predictors of the attack effect in Zone 4. Moreover, placed attacks showed a tendency to not yield a score. In conclusion, winning points in high-level men's volleyball requires excellent receptions, a fast attack tempo and powerfully executed of attacks.

How players exploit variability and regularity of game actions in female volleyball teams

Variability analysis has been used to understand how competitive constraints shape different behaviours in team sports. In this study, we analysed and compared variability of tactical performance indices in players within complex I at two different competitive levels in volleyball. We also examined whether variability was influenced by set type and period. Eight matches from the 2012 Olympics competition and from the Portuguese national league in the 2014–2015 season were analysed (1496 rallies). Variability of setting conditions, attack zone, attack tempo and block opposition was assessed using Shannon entropy measures. Magnitude-based inferences were used to analyse the practical significance of compared values of selected variables. Results showed differences between elite and national teams for all variables, which were co-adapted to the competitive constraints of set type and set periods. Elite teams exploited system stability in setting conditions and block opposition, but greater unpredictability in zone and tempo of attack. These findings suggest that uncertainty in attacking actions was a key factor that could only be achieved with greater performance stability in other game actions. Data suggested how coaches could help setters develop the capacity to play at faster tempos, diversifying attack zones, especially at critical moments in competition.

Estruturação ofensiva no voleibol masculino de alto nível: análise em função da zona do ataque

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between variables of the game on the offensive structure from the zone in which attack is performed in high-level Men’s volleyball. The sample was composed by 12 teams, with the analysis of 142 games, which totalized 19,545 reception, set and attack actions. Data analyses were run with descriptive statistic and the qui-quadratic test for searching association between the variables. The results showed association between tempo of attack and attack effect, type of attack and attack zone and attack zone and tempo of attack and attack effect. It was concluded that Brazilian teams underuse backcourt attacks, and the offensive structure accomplished through the faster game, which is mainly important on attacks carried out in positions 2, 3 and 4. Furthermore, the reception quality proved to be the precursor factor in the construction of attack. It was also observed that there was no 1st tempo of attacks from the backcourt, indicating that it is necessary to change the type of game, specifically with the increment of the speed of sets conducted by the backcourt.

Estruturação ofensiva no voleibol masculino de alto nível: análise em função da zona do ataque

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n5p611 The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between variables of the game on the offensive structure from the zone in which attack is performed in high-level Men’s volleyball. The sample was composed by 12 teams, with the analysis of 142 games, which totalized 19,545 reception, set and attack actions. Data analyses were run with descriptive statistic and the qui-quadratic test for searching association between the variables. The results showed association between tempo of attack and attack effect, type of attack and attack zone and attack zone and tempo of attack and attack effect. It was concluded that Brazilian teams underuse backcourt attacks, and the offensive structure accomplished through the faster game, which is mainly important on attacks carried out in positions 2, 3 and 4. Furthermore, the reception quality proved to be the precursor factor in the construction of attack. It was also observed that there was no 1st tempo of attacks from the backcourt, indicating that it is necessary to change the type of game, specifically with the increment of the speed of sets conducted by the backcourt.

Determinantes táticas do jogo praticado pelo atacante central no voleibol masculino

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n3p371 Among volleyball skills, spike is responsible for the highest number of scores, and the first tempo of attack is related to the higher incidence of score a point, by hindering the defensive opponent’s action. However, most of the studies show general results and do not specify the conditions and constraints of each attack zone. Thus, the aim of this study was analyzing the offensive game (complex I) performed by the middle attacker at the 2014/2015 National men’s Brazilian Championship (Superliga). The sample wascomposed by 142 games of 12 teams, totaling 5350 receptions, setting and spikes actions. The results showed that the middle spikes occurred mostly after receptions A and B, being the most frequent attack scoring point as well as the most powerful one. Moreover, the relationship between the reception effect and setting effect was observed, showing that the best receptions influenced the setting type and the attack effect. Therefore, the middle attack had effective effect in the winning score, since it decreased the chances of opponent’s defense, due to the reduced time to defensive organization. Finally, the situational constraints delimited the middle attacker actions. Based on the above, we suggest that future studies should restrict the analysis conditions and situational constraints of each specific game situation.

Comparative analysis of the elements of attack and defence in men’s and women’s games in the Estonian volleyball highest league

The aim of this study was to analyse the differences between men’s and women’s teams of the Estonian highest league in attack, serve, block, defence and serve reception. The sample consisted of 5 men’s and 5 women’s teams of the Estonian volleyball highest league in the 2014/2015 season. To collect data, two game videos of each team were watched; from them tempo of attack, type of attack, block and serve, and the results of defence and cover were registered. In addition, statistics created by the Data Volley and Volleysoft 6–3 programs on the basis of expert assessments were used to estimate the efficiency of volleyball elements and results of reception. SPSS Statistics 23 version for Windows was used to construct frequency tables and multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to find the probable frequencies of the activities analysed. The results revealed that in Estonian men’s highest league games quick tempo 1 attacks were used statistically significantly more often than in women’s games. Men were more proficient at attack and used a vigorous spike more often than women. For both genders, double block was the most often used block type. Broken double block was more common to men than to women. The serve type most often used by men was the power jump serve, followed by the tactical float serve. Women most often used the standing serve and, as second, the jump float serve. Men made more serve errors than women did. The percentage of ace serves was also higher in women than in men.In defence, the percentage of the ball remaining in play was higher in women than in men, and women’s defence cover was more efficient than men’s. As a result of attack cover, the ball remained in play nearly by half more frequently in women’s than in men’s games. Nonetheless, women scored fewer points as a result of attack cover. Serve reception in the Estonian highest league was better in men, and men made statistically significantly fewer errors in reception than women did.

Analysis of game variables to predict scoring and performance levels in elite men’s volleyball

Sport games are characterized by their play structure. To date, the play structure of volleyball remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify play structure variables that are appropriate for differentiating between top-level teams and second-level teams in elite international men’s volleyball.236 sets played by 14 teams during top international events were video recorded and analysed for variables related to action sequences (attack, counter-attack), attack tempo (fast, medium, slow), attack positions (1-6) and attack combinations (e.g., high passes on position 4 or 5). A discriminant analysis was conducted for the following dependent variables: (1) results (win vs. lose) and (2) team level (top-level teams vs. second-level teams).The best predictors for results and team levels are variables (effectivity of counter-attack, effectivity of medium and slow attack-tempo) related to complex 2 (action sequences of defending, setting and counter-attacking). In contrast, the impact of complex 1 variables (action sequences of reception, setting and attacking) are marginal.It is concluded that second-level teams must adjust their training schemes, i.e., spending more time for counter-attacks with medium and slow attack tempos to increase team performance in elite men’s volleyball.