Dependence of young female volleyballers' performance on their body build, physical abilities, and psycho-physiological properties

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2003 Sep;43(3):291-9.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to establish which anthropometric characteristics, physical abilities and psycho-physiological properties determine the success of adolescent female volleyballers at competitions.

Methods: For this purpose we studied 32 female volleyballers aged 13-16 years. The anthropometric examination included 43 measurements, 7 tests of physical fitness, and 4 series of computerised psycho-physiological tests (n=21). The performance of game elements was measured empirically during championship games using the original computer program "Game".

Results: The proficiency of performing volleyball elements - serve, reception, feint, block and spike - was calculated by regression models from the 14 anthropometric measurements, 4 physical fitness and 7 psychophysiological test results, which showed significant correlation with proficiency in the game. The predictive power of the models was at least 32% and in average 56%. The anthropometric factor was significant in the performance of all the elements of the game, being most essential (71-83%) for attack, block and feint. Good results in physical ability tests granted success in serve, attack and reception.

Conclusion: It was possible to predict the efficiency of reception (44%) by endurance, flexibility and speed measuring tests. Medicine ball throwing test was essential for attack (22%). Psycho-physiological tests were significant for the performance of block (98%), attack (80%), feint (60%) and reception (39%).

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anthropometry*
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sports / physiology*
  • Statistics as Topic