Ability to Predict Side-Out Performance by the Setter’s Action Range with First Tempo Availability in Top European Male and Female Teams

Abstract

The aims of this study were to compare the Setter’s action range with availability of first tempo (SARA) between male and female volleyball; and to determine the relationship between several spatial and offensive variables and their influence in the success of the side-out in male and female volleyball. A total of 1302 side-outs (639 male, 663 female) were registered (2019 European Championship). The ranking, reception efficacy, position and trajectory of the setter between reception and set, first tempo availability, side-out result, rotation, and attack lane were analyzed through Recursive Partitioning for classification, regression and survival tree models and classification and regression trees algorithms. Our results present female teams with more reduced SARAs than male teams, meaning female setters tend to play closer to the net. The correlation between the ranking and the distance from the average position of the setter to the ideal setting zone was not significant. A movement of the setter of 30° or less and more than 1 m in distance might improve the performance of the side-out. Depending on the spatial usage of the setter, some rotations might be more successful than others. When assessing performance, the teams should consider the ability to play quick attacks when their reception is not as precise as they would expect.

Rendimiento del remate en K1: Influencia de la rotación y la zona de recepción en equipos de voleibol de alto nivel masculino (Spike performance in K1: influence of rotation and reception area on high level men’s volleyball teams)

“…The serve to RT6 * RZ32, could nullify the option of the OHB spike if it is him who receives, or hinder his run as a PIPE spike by the receiver occupying the running or jump zone. It can also make it difficult for the middle hitter, whose participation has a high impact on the spike performance of the teams in K1 (Millán-Sánchez et al, 2020); to move to the spike position. It can also make it difficult for the setter to place and move, as the reception and placement zone match spatially (Lima et al, 2008).…”