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

Abstract

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 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.

Characteristics of Serve, Reception and Set That Determine the Setting Efficacy in Men’s Volleyball

“…Attacks in these zones and at fast times increase the options of obtaining points and limit the defence (Castro et al, 2011). It is therefore advisable that, in training, setters acquire the ability to play quickly as well as with variability concerning the set's area (Ramos et al, 2017). Therefore, whenever conditions permit, it is preferable to perform jump sets, which increase the speed of play.…”

“…At present, players' performance variability and the non-linear changes of game actions are important elements to understand sports dynamics (Hamil et al, 1999;Oullier et al, 2006). Thus, studies are developed through entropy, which has allowed researchers to determine players' performance variability (Rhea et al, 2011;Ramos et al, 2017). Due to the sequential nature of volleyball, knowledge of the relationships between the different game actions is essential.…”

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

“…From an ecological dynamics perspectives, team sports have been viewed as dynamical and complex systems, endowed with 'degeneracy', signifying that the same competitive performance outcomes can be achieved in different ways (Duarte, et al, 2013;Seifert, Komar, Araújo, & Davids, 2016a). This inherent property of complex adaptive systems provides sports teams with the capacity of explore different technical and tactical solutions during competition (Ramos, Coutinho, Silva, Davids, & Mesquita, 2017;Seifert, et al, 2016a;Travassos, Araújo, Duarte, & McGarry, 2012). Since competitive environments are changing constantly, the system property of degeneracy enables teams to adapt and selforganize in response to changing performance constraints systematically (Rein, Davids, & Button, 2009).…”

“…In volleyball, the importance of promoting adaptive variability in some game actions (i.e., attack actions) has been recognised by coaches to avoid predictability, highlighting the need to help performers exploit different performance solutions when competitive conditions change (Ramos, et al, 2017;Silva, et al, 2015;Travassos, Araújo, Vilar, & McGarry, 2011).…”

Effect of the rally length on performance according to the final action and the playing level in high-level men’s volleyball. [Efecto de la duración de la jugada sobre el rendimiento en función de la acción final y del nivel de juego en voleibol masculino de alto nivel].

“…Effort has been made in analyzing different characteristics of sets, dividing sets into different units, etc. Different studies categorize sets according to temporal characteristics (starting, mid-game and final), their relevance in relation to the final outcome (non-decisional sets and decisional sets), their competitive load (inferred from the difference in its final score), differences found in the first and last fifteen points, or even according to technical time-outs (Marcelino, Sampaio, & Mesquita, 2012;Ramos, Coutinho, Silva, Davids, & Mesquita, 2017;Sánchez-Moreno, Afonso, Mesquita, & Ureña, 2016). The set is considered one of the most important contextual constraints identified and could be defined as a minigame within a game (Ramos et al, 2017).…”