Spike Arm Swing Techniques of Olympics Male and Female Elite Volleyball Players (1984-2021)

Abstract

In the last decades, indoor volleyball has experienced significant rule changes and a high player specialization in both sexes. Different spike attack arm swing techniques have developed which might affect performance and risk of injury. While a variety of arm swing techniques was already shown in world class beach volleyball players, it is unclear if this is also true for world class indoor volleyball. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the spike attack arm swing techniques of Olympic volleyball winners and finalists (1984-2021) and to investigate possible differences between sex, playing position, scoring system, and compared to beach volleyball. Eighty-two male (M) and 85 female (F) players were assessed from video recordings from ten competitions. Five different arm swing techniques in the cocking phase (Straight, Bow-and-arrow high, Bow-and-arrow low, Snap, Circular) were classified by two experts. The most frequent technique for both sexes was the Circular (M = 40.2%; F = 38.8%), followed by Snap (M = 28.0%; F = 23.5%), Bow-and-arrow low (M = 20.7%; F = 21.2%), Bow-and-arrow high (M = 7.3% F = 11.8%), and Straight (M = 3.7%; F = 4.7%). Bow-and-arrow high and Straight techniques were significantly less used than other techniques in both sexes. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in arm swing techniques between sexes, playing positions, and scoring system but significant differences (p < 0.001) to beach volleyball. Although most volleyball textbooks only describe the Bow-and-arrow techniques, most of the world class indoor volleyball players used Circular and Snap arm swing techniques. Reasons for that could be the implicit knowledge of players (and coaches) regarding increased performance (ball speed) and injury prevention. Based on these results we suggest to critically revise arm swing technique training especially for young players and players with shoulder problems.

Height, Push-Off Angle, Explosive Power: Do they Correlate with Volleyball Athlete Jumping Performance?

“…However, explosive power is not the only important component of jump height, but hip, ankle, and knee strength are also correlated with jump height. [1,38], arm swing contributed to this section [39]. Not only that, muscle flexibility, body coordination, and good jumping technique are also correlated [35][36][37].…”

Muscular Endurance and Strength as Predominant Factors on Spike among Young Volleyball Athletes

“…It is supporting by a previous study that examined five distinct arm swing techniques during the cocking phase (Straight, Bow-and-arrow high, Bow-and-arrow low, Snap, Circular), the Straight and Bow-and-arrow high techniques were significantly less prevalent in both sexes. Therefore, there were no significant disparities between gender and playing positions in arm swing techniques (Giatsis & Tilp, 2022), however, the interaction between rotation and reception area had significant impacts on male spike performance (López et al, 2023). These various new findings can enrich understanding of coaches and help them make more specific training program with the help of biomechanics to maximize capacities and make achievement.…”

Prevalence of Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit and Sex Differences in Range of Motion of Adolescent Volleyball Players: A Case-Control Study

“…On top of these required functional activities, Seminati et al reported that during spiking, the circular swing has 10° less flexion angle, 15° more HAB angle, higher axial rotation speed, and 5% higher ball speed than the bow and arrow swing [ 60 ]. In addition, the association between shoulder flexion and shoulder pain during volleyball suggests the use of a circular swing, which is used by about 40% of professional indoor players [ 61 , 62 ]. On the other hand, the percentage of circular swing use drops to 13.3% in beach volleyball, where the jump force is lower than in indoors [ 63 ].…”