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Copyright of International Journal of Medicine & Science of Physical Activity & Sport / Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Fisica y del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A wind tunnel test was conducted to empirically determine the relationship between the Magnus force (M), spin rate (ω), and linear velocity (V) of a spiked volleyball. This relationship was applied in a two-dimensional mathematical model for the trajectory of the spiked volleyball. After being validated mathematically and empirically, the model was used to analyze three facets of play that a coach must address: the importance of topspin, possibility of overblock spiking, and optimum spiking points. It was found that topspin can increase the spiking effectiveness dramatically in many ways. It was also found that a shot spiked from about 2 m behind the net has the least possibility of being blocked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The research objective was to study the relationships of players’ efficiency in attack and block with their anthropometric characteristics. Data on men’s weight and height and their proficiency in the game were used. The subjects were the members of the Estonian, Italian, French and Croatian national volleyball teams who participated in Pool B of the European Championship. Data are given on men’s height, weight, age, total number of spikes, attack errors, attacks won, efficiency of attack, total number of blocks, block errors, blocks won, and efficiency of block. In addition, the number of points won by men and their positions in the game are given. Minimums, maximums, standard deviations and means were calculated. To find correlations, Pearson’s correlation analysis (p<0.05) was used. In our study, taller and heavier players proved to be more efficient at attack. Comparison of positions showed that middle blockers were taller and performed more blocks, setters were shorter and performed the least of attacks, and outside attackers and opposite attackers were of medium height and carried the greatest load of attack. As a conclusion, it was found that, in professional volleyball, height correlated with the efficiency of attack (r= 0.534; p<0.05), and weight also correlated with the efficiency of attack (r= 0.518; p<0.05). There was no correlation between the anthropometric characteristics and block in volleyball at the professional level in our study. In volleyball, the greatest load at attack is carried by outside attackers and opposite attackers, while middle blockers have the greatest load at block. Setters perform the smallest number of attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze decision making in a volleyball block situation, based on the actions of the setter. The sample was composed by 40 female volleyball players (24.0 ± 4.9 years), that were federated and had a role in blocking actions during the game. Decision making in blocks was analyzed, using video sequences projected in a real scale. According to their skill level, the participants were classified into an elite group (n = 10), composed of the players of the Spanish national women's volleyball team, and an amateur one (n = 30), with non-professional players from women's First and Second Spanish Division. The setting sequences that the participants watched were in consonance with their skill level, so that every group saw the same number of setting sequences, made by two different players, of the same competitive level. A comparison between success rates in both groups in the different types of settings was performed. No significant differences were found in success between both groups, although significant differences were detected after considering the data, as well as an effect size over the average value. These differences in the means of success variables may be important from a practical point of view, inasmuch as translated to the playing ground would imply a higher success. Besides, a high positive correlation between success variables was found, which points out a trend to failure or success independently of the setting zone. These results can be the basis so as to carry out intervention programs to improve decision making in this specific action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte is the property of Cuadernos de Psicologia del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Facultatis Educationis Physicae Universitatis Comenianae is the property of Comenius University in Bratislava and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents a new tool, developed and optimized in order to observe and analyze the code block in volleyball. This tool has been developed in the context of observational methodology, enabling the monitoring and analysis of the action in volleyball blocking technique, allowing discerning observable factors have greater impact on the performance of such action. The research was developed using an inductive empirical strategy. The optimization process of the category system includes data quality control, emphasizing the application of generalizability analysis. This tool is useful for sports psychologist because it allows a proper evaluation of the technical gesture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In volleyball, blocking is highly correlated with team success. The identification of specific techniques that produce a more successful block would be helpful knowledge for coaches and players. This study compared the traditional, swing, and "chicken wing" blocking techniques in combination with the running step footwork pattern in order to determine which technique enabled athletes to perform a more effective block. Highspeed videography (7 cameras, Vicon Motion Analysis System) was used to capture the blocking movements of thirteen female NCAA Division I athletes (age = 19.4 ± 1.19 years, height = 1.82 ± 0.08 m, mass = 70.63 ± 7.96 kg, and years of participation at the collegiate level = 2.23 ± 1.17 years). Each player was familiar with each blocking technique. Reflective markers were placed on the players and in randomized order the players performed 3 blocking trials of each technique. The following dependent variables were assessed: The time it took the athletes to get off the ground and get their hands above (vertically) the net was calculated. The distance the hand reached over the net or hand penetration (displacement between the net and finger in the anterior and vertical planes) was also measured. Lastly, jump height was calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA and posthoc comparisons were done (α = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the main effect for time to get off the ground (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the time to get the hands above the net (p < 0.05). The swing block was best for jump height (p <.001) and hand penetration (p < 0.05). These results can help coaches and players decide which blocking technique will benefit them most as a blocking team and as individual blockers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to gain a deeper insight into the instructional process in youth volleyball training. A mixed method design, combining systematic observation and interview procedures, was used to examine both the nature and the content of the information provided by coaches during the instructional process. Twenty-eight young volleyball coaches, who coached amateur teams in a club setting, players from 13 to 17 years of age, were interviewed and one of their training sessions was videotaped for systematic observation. Results of interviews showed that coaches have adopted two agendas to teaching volleyball contents: a skills agenda, following a molecular approach, which focuses on the biomechanically efficient component; and a game agenda, using modified games and competition to facilitate the integration of technical skills in game situations. However, coach behaviour profiles showed a predominant technical orientation. All the volleyball contents were targeted in the coaches' instructions of technique. The same did not occur in the coaches' instructions of individual tactics, and even less in team tactics. The dominance of a technical perspective suggests the need to deepen youth coaching, to help coaches to improve their competence and to change and diversify their instructional approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of apposition and gender on knee kinematics and ground reaction force during landing from a volleyball block jump. Six female and six male university volleyball players performed two landing tasks: (a) an unopposed and (b) an opposed volleyball block jump and landing. A 12-camera motion analysis system (120 Hz) was used to recoin knee kinematics, and a force platform (600 Hz) was used to record ground reaction force during landing. The results showed a sign significant effect for level of opposition in peak normalized ground reaction force (p = .04), knee flexion at ground contact (p = .003), maximum knee flexion (p = .001), and knee flexion range of motion (p = .003). There was a significant effect for gender in maximum knee flexion (p = .01), knee flexion range of motion (p = .001), maximum knee valgus angle (p = .001), and knee valgus range of motion (p = .001). The changes in landing biomechanics as a result of opposition suggest future research on landing mechanics should examine opposed exercises, because opposition may significantly alter neuromuscular responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Facultatis Educationis Physicae Universitatis Comenianae is the property of Comenius University in Bratislava and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The changes in the rules of volleyball have promoted technical, tactical and physical development. These requested to the players more effectively, including the middle block player. The main proposal of this study was describe, qualitatively, the technique of middle block player counter-attack that after the fall of the block, making the move, with the face for defense, followed by performs of attack. Four middle block player athletes have executed the movements for register through the filming technique. The movements were filmed and kinesiologically analyzed and described by qualitative method. Through the qualitative method it was possible to describe the technique of counter-attack of the middle block player, being used the displacement with the face for the defense, possibiliting futures comparisons with others techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Kronos is the property of Revista Kronos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article examines the difference of upright and squat starting positions for block jump techniques in volleyball. The results indicated that in the upright position, most subjects were able to jump higher in a maximal effort compared with the squat position. However, the starting position has no association with the takeoff time to reach the block height. It also highlights the physiological implications of these starting positions.

The article highlights the study on the performance levels in scoring skills in the Volleyball World League 2005 and to relate the results to the teams' rankings in the tournament. The study shows that spike is the best indicator of success in high level volleyball, but only when considering relative measures. In addition, the number of block points per game proved to be a good indicator of success in volleyball.

The purpose of the study was to define efficiency of the selected technical elements (attacks and blocks) applied in matches of a first-league SCS Spała team (SCS Sports Championship School) in the first round preliminaries in 2006/2007. The study group consisted of 10 players at the age of 16-17. The research material was collected during 12 matches. The study was approached by way of observation sheets. The analysis of the research material underlay the following conclusions: 1. Efficiency of the observed elements (attacks and blocks) varied in the successive matches and was related to the level of physical condition presented by volleyball players on a given day and to the performance level of the opposing team. 2. The attacking and blocking efficiency in the SCS Spała team was low and ranked at 45.9% in attacks and 10.6% in blocks. 3. The highest efficiency of attacks (54.0%) was achieved by middle blockers with relatively few attacks. 4. The highest efficiency of blocks was achieved by players on receiving-attacking positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the factors affecting injuries to amateur volleyball players. It evaluates the number of impacts per training session of two amateur volleyball teams while performing spikes and blocks, and relates the number of impacts to the number of injuries suffered by athletes suffered. The ankles were often affected by injuries and blocks were the most common cause for injuries. However, it was emphasized that the impacts did not affect the number of injuries.

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of injury and the extent of preventive actions in elite Swedish volleyball players. Injuries to players in the elite male and female Swedish division, during the 2002-2003 season, were registered by using a questionnaire. Of the 158 volleyball players (70% response rate), a total of 82 players (52%) reported 121 injuries, during a total exposure time of 24 632 h, representing an overall incidence of 0.77 injuries per player. The majority of the injuries were located in the ankle (23%), followed by the knee (18%) and the back (15%). Most injuries (62%) were classified as being of minor severity. Most injuries occurred during training (47%), and 41% of the injuries had a gradual onset. Fifty-four percent of the injuries that could be related to a specific court situation occurred during blocking, and 30% during spiking. Most players (96%) participated in injury prevention training of some kind, generally performed without supervision (58%). Although most players took part in some kind of preventive action, one out of two players incurred an injury during the season, which indicates that the risk of suffering an injury in elite volleyball is relatively high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses, based on registration sheets, the height, weight, BMI, results of spike test and two-hand block tests of the teams of 12 countries (ages 14-17 years, n=144) who participated in Girls' Youth European Volleyball Championship in Tallinn from 29 March to 3 April 2005. The data were analyzed in a body build classification that divided the girls into types based on height and weight: (1) small, (2) medium, (3) big, (4) pycnomorphous, (5) leptomorphous. Height and weight differed significantly between the classes; the results of the spike test and two-hand block tests were the best in classes 3 (big) and 5 (leptomorphous). The teams' ranking depended most significantly on how many members belonged to class 3 and, thereafter, to classes 4 and 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Gymnica is the property of Palacky University in Olomouc and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Se presenta una introducción en que el autor discurre sobre los artículos en este número, inlcuyendo uno sobre el bloqueo en voleibol, uno sobre la psicología de los atletas y uno sobre las emociones en los deportes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the opponent block, i.e. the blockers starting points and the number of blockers, compared to the hitter chosen by the setter to attack in elite male volleyball competition. 4531 sequences were analyzed, corresponding to 97 sets, of 12 national male teams participating in the 2007 World Cup. In order to test the association between variables, descriptive and inferential statistics the chi-square test with analysis of the adjusted residual were used. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was assessed via the percentage error method. Results showed that the pinched block "starting point" and the double block "final blocking action" were the most recurrent ones and the opposite player (right side) was the most requested hitter. This study showed a significant association between the blockers starting points and the hitter chosen by the setter to finalize the play set. There was a downward trend in the attack from the middle hitter with pinched block and an upward trend in the attack of the opposite (right side) with mixed block (pinched zone 2). A significant association between hitter and number of blockers was also verified: middle hitters show a high tendency to attack facing individual block, opposite players (right side) usually attack vs. double block and left-side hitters usually face double and triple block. These results suggest that blocker''s starting points are taken in consideration by the opponent setter to create the best conditions for the hitters. Hence, the setter takes advantages of the specific features (skills and ability to score) of its hitters and the space where they perform the attack in order to create difficulties to the opponent block (i.e. middle hitters has a high trend to attack with individual block, opposite player with double block and left-side hitters with double and triple block). The present study shows that the volleyball game at the elite male level is characterized by a constant adaptation between setter''s options and the opponent block tactics and strategies. These trends must be considered in the training process to prepare hitters and blockers for the most common situations occurring in the competition and, therefore, to create better and more appropriated and effective solutions to the game problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Relationship between Block Constraints and set outcome in Elite Male Volleyball," by Ruj Araújo, Isabel Mesquita and Rui Marcelino is presented.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe, interpret and compare the EMG activation patterns of ankle muscles – tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) – in volleyball players with and without ankle functional instability (FI) during landing after the blocking movement. Twenty-one players with FI (IG) and 19 controls (CG) were studied. The cycle of movement analyzed was the time period between 200ms before and 200ms after the time of impact determined by ground reaction forces. The variables were analyzed for two different phases: pre-landing (200ms before impact) and post-landing (200ms after impact). The RMS values and the timing of onset activity were calculated for the three studied muscles, in both periods and for both groups. The co-activation index for TA and PL, TA and GL were also calculated. Individuals with FI presented a lower RMS value pre-landing for PL (CG=43.0±22.0; IG=26.2±8.4, p <0.05) and higher RMS value post-landing (CG=47.5±13.3; IG=55.8±21.6, p <0.10). Besides that, in control group PL and GL activated first and simultaneously, and TA presented a later activation, while in subjects with FI all the three muscles activated simultaneously. There were no significant differences between groups for co-activation index. Thus, the rate of contraction between agonist and antagonist muscles is similar for subjects with and without FI but the activation individually was different. Volleyball players with functional instability of the ankle showed altered patterns of the muscles that play an important role in the stabilization of the foot–ankle complex during the performance of the blocking movement, to the detriment of the ligament complex, and this fact could explain the usual complaints in these subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]