Strength and Conditioning Practices and Perspectives of Volleyball Coaches and Players

Abstract

To the authors’ knowledge this is the first study to describe the strength and conditioning (S&C) practices and perspectives of volleyball coaches and players. In total, 30 volleyball coaches (mean age 34.47 ± 7.83 years and coaching experience 19.57 ± 8.28 years), and 30 volleyball players (mean age 22.03 ± 4.43 years and playing experience 10.43 ± 8.98 years) completed an online survey with six sections: (a) informed consent; (b) background information; (c) education, qualifications, and prescription; (d) views on S&C; (e) exercise selection and preferences; and (f) issues and improvements. Frequency analysis was used to report responses to fixed-response questions and thematic-analysis for open-ended questions. While only one participant possessed an S&C certification, S&C was deemed ‘important’ to ‘very important’ for volleyball skills, physical fitness, and injury parameters. However, due to a reported lack of expertise, there appeared to be a theoretical understanding to practice gap. Furthermore, the implementation of S&C was considerably hindered by a lack of time, facilities, and equipment. National sports associations, coaches, and players can use the information within this study to provide an understanding of the current practices and perspectives of S&C in volleyball. While also promoting future developments in S&C research and practice in volleyball.

The strength and conditioning practices and perspectives of soccer coaches and players

“…This study used an anonymous online survey to investigate the S&C practices and perspectives of soccer coaches and players. The survey was adapted from previous research 7 and developed using the open-access survey application, Google Forms. All information within the survey was presented in English and Chinese for clarity and understanding for the surveyed population.…”

“…6 Yet, the application of such recommendations may be problematic for coaches and players, who do not possess the required knowledge or experience. 7 This issue was recently emphasized in volleyball, where coaches and players considered S&C to be 'highly important,' but due to various constraints (e.g. finances, resources, availability of S&C coaches), S&C provisions were predominantly delivered independently, despite a lack of expertise or expertise in this field.…”

“…7 Conversely, research suggests at the elite level S&C coaches are commonly employed in various sports, 8 inclusive of soccer. 4,9 Whether this is also the case at sub-elite levels of soccer or in regions where S&C is still being established within mainstream sport, 7 remains uncertain. Developing this understanding is important as it will provide national sports associations and S&C governing bodies, with the relevant information to best support the safe (e.g.…”

“…finances, resources, availability of S&C coaches), S&C provisions were predominantly delivered independently, despite a lack of expertise or expertise in this field. 7 Conversely, research suggests at the elite level S&C coaches are commonly employed in various sports, 8 inclusive of soccer. 4,9 Whether this is also the case at sub-elite levels of soccer or in regions where S&C is still being established within mainstream sport, 7 remains uncertain.…”

“…7 and developed using the open-access survey application, Google Forms. All information within the survey was presented in English and Chinese for clarity and understanding for the surveyed population.The survey comprised of six sections, (a) written informed consent; (b) background information; (c) education; qualifications and prescription; (d) views on S&C; (e) exercise selection and preferences; and (f) issues and improvements.…”