Volleyball Attacks Research Articles

Study on identifying and correcting technical errors in the volleyball attack hit procedure using video method

Study on identifying and correcting technical errors in the volleyball attack hit procedure using video method

Return to play and Athletic Performance in division I female volleyball players following anterior cruciate ligament injury

ABSTRACT Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine NCAA Division I volleyball players’ return to play rates and performance statistics compared to pre-injury levels following ACL injury. Methods Female volleyball players that sustained ACL injuries from 2008-2020 and competed in one of seven collegiate conferences (n = 99) were identified via an internet search algorithm. Players were categorized by position, academic year, and playing time pre- and post-injury. Post-injury performance statistics were gathered for a subset of outside hitters and middle blockers that played in ≥ 35 sets in a single season for up to 3 years following injury (mean 1.7 seasons). A control group (n = 512) was generated for demographic and statistical comparison. Mean pre-injury and post-injury statistics were compared for players that did not change positions and played ≥ 35 sets before and after injury. Results Volleyball attackers were 54.7% of the control population but sustained 78.8% of identified injuries. Following ACL injury, 6.1% of players registered no in-game statistics, 16.2% played in < 35 sets, 65.7% played in ≥ 35 sets, and 12.1% graduated. Mean performance statistics increased linearly the more years players were from ACL injury. Conclusions Female collegiate volleyball players return to play following ACL injury at high rates (93.1%) and maintain pre-injury performance levels. Volleyball attackers sustain ACL injuries more commonly than setters and libero/defensive specialists.

Prevalence and associated factors of non-traumatic knee pain in high school volleyball players: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee pain among high school volleyball attackers, identify associated factors, and explore the relationship between knee pain and lower back pain (LBP). Methods A cross-sectional study involving 82 high school volleyball attackers (15–17 years) used questionnaires, interviews, and field-based assessments to collect data on demographics, volleyball-specific factors, flexibility, and jumping ability. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knee pain. Results The prevalence of knee pain was 19.5%. Factors significantly associated with knee pain were a history of LBP (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.28 to 16.8; p = 0.019) and flexibility determined by the absolute difference in heel-buttock distance (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.83; p = 0.037). Participants with knee pain had more volleyball experience and a higher proportion of players who competed as starters in the previous year. Both groups reported approximately 18 hours of practice per week during the school year and around 27 hours during school holidays, with no significant difference observed. Conclusion Factors associated with knee pain include a history of LBP and reduced flexibility on the heel-buttock distance test. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, considering the coexistence of LBP and focusing on improving anterior thigh flexibility.

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.

Rotation sequences for the calculation of shoulder kinematics of the volleyball attack

Calculating upper extremity kinematics during overhead movements presents with problems typically not seen for the lower extremity due to the large range of motion. Due to these unique issues, different rotation sequences have been suggested to circumvent challenges due to gimbal lock (GL) and angle coherence (AC). The purpose of this study is to determine the most appropriate rotation sequence for shoulder angle calculation during a volleyball attack. METHODS: 15 healthy experienced volleyball players (women = 8) performed 5 attacks off a stationary ball. A 12-camera 3D motion capture system was utilized to record trunk and arm kinematics to compare joint angles calculated using the YXY, ZXY, XZY, YXZ, ZYX, and XYZ rotation sequences. Instances of GL and AC inconsistences were marked for each trial. The last 3 trials were used for analysis. RESULTS: The YXY and XYZ sequences presented with the least total number of errors (12 and 5, respectively). 5 instances of GL were present in the XYZ sequence while none were recorded for the YXY sequence. All other sequences returned incoherent angles that greatly exceeded known ranges of motion. CONCLUSION: When performing kinematic analyses during a volleyball attack, researchers should adhere to ISB recommendations and employ the Eulerian YXY sequence for calculations. If greater anatomical understanding is desired, the XYZ sequence may be utilized for most subjects.

Skilled Performers Show Right Parietal Lateralization during Anticipation of Volleyball Attacks.

Global and local biological motion processing are likely influenced by an observer's perceptual experience. Skilled athletes anticipating an opponent's movements use globally distributed motion information, while less skilled athletes focus on single kinematic cues. Published reports have demonstrated that attention can be primed globally or locally before perceptual tasks; such an intervention could highlight motion processing mechanisms used by skilled and less skilled observers. In this study, we examined skill differences in biological motion processing using attentional priming. Skilled (N = 16) and less skilled (N = 16) players anticipated temporally occluded videos of volleyball attacks after being primed using a Navon matching task while parietal EEG was measured. Skilled players were more accurate than less skilled players across priming conditions. Global priming improved performance in both skill groups. Skilled players showed significantly reduced alpha and beta power in the right compared to left parietal region, but brain activity was not affected by the priming interventions. Our findings highlight the importance of right parietal dominance for skilled performers, which may be functional for inhibiting left hemispheric local processing or enhancing visual spatial attention for dynamic visual scenes. Further work is needed to systematically determine the function of this pattern of brain activity during skilled anticipation.

Three-Dimensional Kinematic Analysis and Research on the Strong Volleyball Spike Technique of Excellent Female Volleyball Spikers from China and Abroad

This paper uses three-dimensional camera and technical statistics to analyze and study the spiking technique of Chinese and foreign excellent female volleyball attackers. The results show that the speed of Chinese and foreign women�s volleyball spikers is close to 4m/s, the maximum ball speed is close to 30m/s and the hitting height is more than 2.9m; the air hitting action is with obvious forward movement. There is a gap between Chinese women�s volleyball spikers and excellent foreign attackers in terms of spiking success rate, hitting height and hitting speed.

How functional movement variability facilitates successful skill adaptation during the volleyball attack

From an ecological dynamics perspective, careful manipulation of task constraints can provide opportunities for action, exploited by functional movement variability of participants. The constraints-led approach (CLA) induces functional movement variability in practice designs, supporting athlete performance in satisfying task constraints and finding performance solutions to achieve intended task goals. Young male volleyball players were randomly assigned to either a traditional approach (TA) or CLA practice group. Selected spatial-temporal movement coordination variables were recorded, to explore their relations to successful performance outcomes in the attacking phase. Binomial logistic regression was used to verify the association of spatial-temporal movement variables with the percentage of successful attacks. Six spatial-temporal variables were included, and a manual backward stepwise regression was used to remove those which did not contribute to the best predictive model of successful performance. After a 6-week intervention programme, the CLA practice group displayed a significantly higher percentage of successful attack actions, when facing the opposition block. The TA group showed a small increase in successful attack actions after the intervention. The final binomial logistic regression model revealed that the variables ‘lateral deviation of the participants’ centre of mass’ at the planting step and ‘longitudinal deviation of the participants’ centre of mass’ at point of ball contact were the main predictors of successful attacking outcomes. To overcome the opposition's block in volleyball, infusing functional variability in a CLA task design, promoted superior performance in practice. Presumably, greater movement pattern variability emerged in participants to satisfy performance constraints in successful volleyball attacks.

Analysis of Whole-Body Coordination Patterning in Successful and Faulty Spikes Using Self-Organising Map-Based Cluster Analysis: A Secondary Analysis.

This study investigated the whole-body coordination patterning in successful and faulty spikes using self-organising map-based cluster analysis. Ten young, elite volleyball players (aged 15.5 ± 0.7 years) performed 60 volleyball spikes in a real-game environment. Adopting the cluster analysis, based on a self-organising map, whole-body coordination patterning was explored between successful and faulty spikes of individual players. The self-organising maps (SOMs) portrayed whole body, lower and upper limb coordination dissimilarities during the jump phase and the ball impact phases between the successful and faulty spikes. The cluster analysis illustrated that the whole body, upper limb and lower limb coordination patterning of each individual’s successful spikes were similar to their faulty spikes. Range of motion patterning also demonstrated no differences in kinematics between spike outcomes. Further, the upper limb angular velocity patterning of the players’ successful/faulty spikes were similar. The SPM analysis portrayed significant differences between the normalized upper limb angular velocities from 35% to 45% and from 76% to 100% of the spike movement. Although the lower limb angular velocities are vital for achieving higher jumps in volleyball spikes, the results of this study portrayed that the upper limb angular velocities distinguish the differences between successful and faulty spikes among the attackers. This confirms the fact that volleyball coaches should shift their focus toward the upper limb velocity and coordination training for higher success rates in spiking for volleyball attackers.

Spikes, tips, and points: Matching in college volleyball attacks?

Spikes, tips, and points: Matching in college volleyball attacks?

Force-time curve variables of countermovement jump as predictors of volleyball spike jump height

Force-time (F-T) characteristics of countermovement jump (CMJ) are globally referenced as the main descriptors of athletic jump performance, particularly for volleyball players. Nevertheless, it is still unclear to what extent the vertical jump performance during testing is associated with jump performance during game-like conditions. This study was designed to investigate the association between F‑T curve variables derived from CMJ, including movement timings, force, velocity, power, rate of force development (RFD), modified reactive strength index (RSImod), and net impulse with spike jump height during game-like circumstances. Thirteen young elite volleyball players performed three CMJs and six spike jumps in game-like circumstances. Pearson’s product correlation test portrayed a significant correlation between spike jump height and peak RFD (r = 0.75), average RFD (r = 0.76), RSImod (r = 0.56), and concentric net impulse (r = 0.61). Multiple regression analysis also showed that these factors have a strong contribution for predicting spike jump heights (71%). The findings of this study emphasise the importance of RFD, concentric net impulse, and RSImod values in the precise analysis and prediction of volleyball attackers’ spike jump height during game-like conditions.

Whole body coordination patterning in volleyball spikes under various task constraints: exploratory cluster analysis based on self-organising maps

ABSTRACT Task and environment-related constraints can influence spike performance in volleyball players. This study was designated to investigate the impact of awareness of the presence or absence of a defensive block by the opponents on the performance and coordination pattern of spikes in elite volleyball attackers. Simulating a real-game scenario, 10 elite youth attackers (aged 15.5 ± 0.7 years) executed six spikes each with prior notification about the presence/absence of defences and six spikes without any notification. In each condition, they were blocked by two opponents in three trials. The coordination patterning of the attackers was explored using cluster analysis based on a Self-Organising Map (SOM). The SOMs and the cluster analysis showed that the coordination pattern of the spike execution was very individual-specific; however, in the third layer of the cluster analysis, it was revealed that the movement pattern of spike execution had similarities in the scenario wherein the players had prior awareness of the defences. Providing the attackers with information on the opponents’ condition or performance could shift the attackers’ focus from a game-oriented condition to the rivals’ behaviour, which consequently resulted in deterioration of their spike performance.

Juegos pre-deportivos y perfeccionamiento del ataque en voleibol escolar

Introducción: Los juegos predeportivos exigen destrezas y habilidades propias de cada deporte, siendo un recurso didáctico desde la educación física con implicaciones directas e indirectas en el desarrollo del deporte de iniciación. Objetivo: implementar una estrategia didáctica con juegos predeportivos para perfeccionar el desempeño técnico del ataque en el voleibol escolar del Colegio Cardenal de la Torre. Métodos: Se aplica un muestreo intencional no probabilístico, estudiando a 60 alumnos del Colegio Cardenal de la Torre en la ciudad de Quito (ambos sexos), evaluando la técnica del ataque del voleibol en dos momentos del proceso docente-educativo, antes y después de implementarse una estrategia didáctica con juegos predeportivos. Resultados: En la primera evaluación se alcanzó una media en el puntaje promedio de 5,93, y en la segunda evaluación una media en el puntaje de 9,40, siendo significativamente diferentes (p=0,000), con 52 diferencias positivas, 2 diferencias negativas y 6 empates, demostrando que la mayoría de los alumnos estudiados (86,67%) mejoraron su aprendizaje de la técnica del ataque de forma directa o indirecta. Conclusiones: Para el caso de alumnos de iniciación sin experiencia previa en el voleibol, los juegos predeportivos implementados en la presente investigación mejoraron notablemente el aprendizaje indirecto de la técnica del ataque del voleibolista.

The Effect Of Random And Blocked Practice In Volleyball Attack Learning

Several practice methods have been used by coaches in order to improve athletes’ performance through the permanent changes in movement performance . Two of the widely used practice tasks are blocked and random schedule. In random schedule, the practice target is unpredictable for the athletes. On the other hand, in blocked practice, the athlete executes the same motor movement repeatedly before moving to the next skill. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of contextual interference (random, blocked practice) on improving the volleyball attack (spike). METHODS: Thirty six (36) amateur volleyball players ranging in age from 18 to 25 years old volunteered to participate in the study. The participants were randomly assigned into three experimental conditions: (a) random practice, (b) blocked practice, and (c) control group. The intervention program lasted 6 weeks, and each participant underwent two 90 minute training sessions per week. During the training, each participant performed a total of 40 blows per training session. Three measures were applied: The first measure (pre-test) performed just before the commencement of the intervention program, one immediately after its end (post-test), and the third measure a week after the program completion (follow-up). RESULTS: The results indicated a significant improvement in the random schedule experimental group in the post-test compared to the pre-test (p<.001) as well as in the follow-up measure (p<.01). The blocked schedule group showed also an improvement in the post-test and follow-up measure compared to the pre-test (p<.05, p<.05). Additionally, the random group was significant better than blocked and control group in the post-test (p<.01, p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Practice schedule differentiates the improvement of skill acquisition, indicating that the random practice participants revealed higher improvement and retention of the performed activity.

On the Influence of Action Preference on Female Players' Gaze Behavior During Defense of Volleyball Attacks.

Knowledge of an opponent's action preference may affect visual anticipation of their action outcome. Specifically, if an opponent acts according to their purported preference, anticipation may be facilitated. Conversely, if an opponent does not act according to their purported preference, anticipation may be unaffected or even harmed. The underlying perceptual-cognitive mechanisms of that effect, however, remain unclear. Here we tested the hypothesis that players might change their gaze behavior once provided with preference information. To this end, 27 female volleyball players anticipated the direction of attacks in two test blocks with 40 videos each. Videos were shown on a large screen and stopped 240 ms prior to hand-ball-contact. Participants simulated defensive reaction while their gaze was recorded using a mobile eye-tracker. One female attacker directed 75% of shots diagonally (25% longline), while another female attacker distributed shots equally to both directions. After block one, half of the participants were informed that either both attackers preferred diagonal shots in 75% of occasions (group preferred) or that both attackers distributed shots equally across directions (group non-preferred). Analysis of decision behavior (i.e., proportion of diagonal decisions), but not prediction accuracy (i.e., proportion of correct predictions), revealed that those instructions led both groups decide differently according to the purported preferences from block 1 to block 2. Analysis of gaze behavior did not reveal group-specific effects across blocks or attackers with/-out action preference. Findings underline the influence of contextual information on anticipation, but they leave open whether the availability of contextual information similarly affects gaze behavior.

Variations of technical actions and efficacy of national teams’ volleyball attackers according to their sex and playing positions

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to analyse the variations of technical actions and efficacy of national teams’ volleyball players according to their sex and playing positions. The study included 8,541 rallies played in 74 volleyball matches (37 matches for each sex, 2018 European Volleyball Golden League). The variables studied were: sex (male or female), player role (outside-hitter, middle-blocker, and opposite), points scored by the attackers, errors done by the attackers, points obtained by the attackers in the side-out phase (or break-point phase), serves executed, serve efficacy (error, continuity, and aces), receptions, reception efficacy (errors, positive, and perfect), attack executed, attack efficacy (errors and points), and block executed. The results revealed difference between male and female players in the execution of the serve and the attack. Male players assume higher risk at serve, and they had higher attack efficacy than female players. Male opposite players have a higher contribution and efficacy on attack than female opposite players. Female middle blockers and outside-hitters had a higher participation in attack. The results revealed difference between male and female players in the execution of the serve and the attack. Male players assume higher risk at serve, and they had higher attack efficacy than female players. Male opposite players have a higher contribution and efficacy on attack than female opposite players. Female middle blockers and outside-hitters had a higher participation in attack.

Development and assessment of a block machine for volleyball attack training

This study presents a system that consists of three machines to imitate the motion of top volleyball blockers. In a volleyball match, it is essential to improve the hitting percentage of each spiker in order to score by spiking. Iterative spiking training is required for increasing the hitting percentage. Therefore, we develop a block machine system that can be continuously used in an actual practice field for improving attack practice. Each machine is equipped with five degrees of freedom to achieve the required operating speed and mechanical strength. The machine performs high-speed movements on 9000 mm rails that are arranged parallel to the volleyball net. In addition, an application with a graphical user interface enables a coach to manipulate these machines. It enables the coach to control block motions and change the parameters such as the machines’ position and operation timing. We evaluate the feasibility of the proposed block form through practical use of the system in the practice field and confirm that the system has potential for improving attack efficiency.

Kinematic Analysis of Volleyball Attack in the Net Center with Various Types of Take-Off.

The aim of the study was to describe and compare kinematics in two types of execution of attack hit, the goofy approach and regular approach. The research group consisted of players from the Czech Republic’s top league (n = 12, age 28.0 ± 4.3 years, body height 196.6 ± 5.6 cm, body mass 89.7 ± 6.7 kg) divided into two groups according to the individual type of approach in the attack. Analysis of movement was performed by 3D kinematics video analysis, space coordinates were calculated by the DLT (Direct Linear Transformation) method together with interpretation software TEMA Bio 2.3 (Image Systems AB, Sweden). The players started their run-up from a distance of about 4 – 4.5 m from the net with similar maximal vertical velocity (2.91 – 2.96 m⋅s-1). The trajectory of players with goofy approach seemed to be convenient for the rotation of shoulders and hips in the moment of ball contact. Differences between both groups were observed. Players with a goofy approach had a longer flight phase compared to regularly approaching players.

Development and Investment of a Block Machine for Volleyball Attack Training

Development and Investment of a Block Machine for Volleyball Attack Training

Shoulder-Rotator Strength, Range of Motion, and Acromiohumeral Distance in Asymptomatic Adolescent Volleyball Attackers.

Sport-specific adaptations at the glenohumeral joint could occur in adolescent athletes because they start participating in high-performance sports in early childhood. To investigate shoulder-rotator strength, internal-rotation (IR) and external-rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM), and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in asymptomatic adolescent volleyball attackers to determine if they have risk factors for injury. Cross-sectional study. University laboratory. Thirty-nine adolescent high school-aged volleyball attackers (22 boys, 17 girls; age = 16.0 ± 1.4 years, height = 179.2 ± 9.0 cm, mass = 67.1 ± 10.9 kg, body mass index = 20.7 ± 2.6 kg/m2). Shoulder IR and ER ROM, total-rotation ROM, glenohumeral IR deficit, AHD, and concentric and eccentric strength of the shoulder internal and external rotators were tested bilaterally. External-rotation ROM was greater (t38 = 4.92, P < .001), but IR ROM (t38 = -8.61, P < .001) and total ROM (t38 = -3.55, P = .01) were less in the dominant shoulder, and 15 athletes had a glenohumeral IR deficit (IR ROM loss > 18°). We observed greater concentric internal-rotator (t38 = 2.89, P = .006) and eccentric external-rotator (t38 = 2.65, P = .01) strength in the dominant than in the nondominant shoulder. The AHD was less in the dominant shoulder (t38 = -3.60, P < .001). Adolescent volleyball attackers demonstrated decreased IR ROM, total ROM, and AHD and increased ER ROM in their dominant shoulder. Therefore, routine screening of adolescent athletes and designing training programs for hazardous adaptive changes could be important in preventing shoulder injuries.