Considerations regarding the optimisation of the spike in modern volleyball

The aim of this paper is to analyse in detail the aspects regarding increased efficiency of the spike in the game of volleyball, given the requirements of a flawless technique that will maximize the potential of the players. Our intention was to verify whether the steps of approach are unfolding in a uniformly accelerated motion and are leading to a vertical leap in the desired parameters at the moment of take off. We also wanted to check if the range of upper body motion is a determinant in the efficiency of the spike consisting in a high striking point and a remakable hitting force.

Material and methods: The video footage was obtained from 6 players of “U” Timisoara's volleyball team and 6 international players. For the analysis and processing of the footage the program Kinovea was used and the following parameters were assessed: striking speed(m/s), range of motion (cm and °), flexion between arm and forearm, angle of arm with the vertical at contact, movement speed for the first, second and third approach steps.

Results: The international subjects had a 12 cm longer path of the hand in striking motion. Given the shorter segments of “U” Timisoara's players, they compensate by having a 2° larger range of motion, above the elite players. We recorded diferent angles of the spiking arm with the vertical for the 2 groups, namely a mean of 24.5° for the elite players and just 15° for the players of “U” Timisoara. These aspects lead to a striking speed 3m/s higher for the international spikers compared to “U” Timisoara sportsmen. Having measured a uniformly accelerated approach for the international subjects, “U” Timisoara's players don't respond to the same requirement with close values of the second and third step of approach.