Volleyball

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to detect whether differences exist concerning the dynamic and kinematic parameters of vertical squat jump (SJ) on rigid (RS) and sand (SS) surface. Fifteen elite male beach volleyball players (age: 25.6 +/- 6.2 years; height: 188.0 +/- 3.5 cm; body mass: 83.2 +/- 6.0 kg; mean +/- SD, respectively) performed SJ. Force platform and kinematic analyses were used with paired sample T-tests to evaluate the differences. Vertical jump height was significantly smaller (p < .001) on SS than RS. Maximal force and maximal power were significantly higher on RS than SS (p < .05 and p < .01 respectively). Impulse time was larger in SS but with no significant difference (p = .286). Kinematic analysis revealed significant differences between the values of ankle joint during starting posture (p < .01) and of hip joint at the moment of take-off (p < .05). Ankle joint range of motion and angular velocity was larger in SS (p < .05). In conclusion, SJ height on SS was smaller than on RS because of the compliance and the instability of the sand. This resulted in a reduction in maximum force and take-off velocity. Furthermore, the compliance of SS made it hard for the ankle to push along the vertical axis of the movement of the body and as a result it slipped behind in an attempt to maximize propulsion. As a result, the body tries to balance and equalise this movement and move the hip to larger extension.

Kinematics That Differentiate the Beach Flags Start Between Elite and Non-Elite Sprinters

“…Potentially, elite beach flags sprinters may allow their start to occur over a longer duration so as to generate more ground reaction force, especially against the unstable sand surface. This is similar to findings made by Giatsis et al [12] when analyzing elite beach volleyball players. When jumping on a sand surface, elite beach volleyball players will spend more time in contact with the ground, so as to generate more force and increase jump height [12].…”

“…For example, the force generated during a squat jump on sand is reduced when compared to a jump on a rigid surface [12]. Giatsis et al [12] found that not only did peak force decrease, but the duration of force production was extended on sand. This is also true for maximal sprinting.…”

Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness in Team Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review

“…aquatic, grass or sand-based PT) could elicit similar increases in jumping and performance as traditional PT. Nevertheless, it has to be noted that performing PT on a sand surface may increase the risk of overuse injuries to the lower limbs and back (Bahr and Reeser, 2003; Giatsis and Kollias, 2004). Likewise, some studies reported no change (Brito et al, 2014; Gottlieb et al, 2014; Lehnert et al, 2013) or even slight decreases in vertical jumping performance (de Villarreal et al, 2008), probably due to the characteristics of the subject, in particular: a training level, sport activity, age, gender, familiarity with plyometric exercises and a training program (duration, volume, rest periods, frequency, type of exercises and their combination, intensity of exercises, external resistance) (de Villarreal et al, 2009).…”

Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Strength and Jumping Performance in Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Players

“…It was shown that jumping on sand surfaces was characterized by significantly smaller jumping heights during squat jumps, countermovement jumps, volleyball spikes, and block jumps, compared with jumps on rigid surfaces [11]. Jumping height is significantly smaller on a sand surface than a rigid one due to compliance and instability of the sand, and this results in a reduction in maximum vertical forces, smaller maximum powers, vertical impulses and take-off velocity [12]. As a result of the compliance of the sand surface, during the spike jump the BVB players slow down their movements, especially during the phase of transition from knee flexion to extension and during the extension phase [13].…”