Physical-Performance Changes Over the Season: Are They Related to Game-Performance Indicators in Elite Men Volleyball Players?

Background: The development and influence of physical capabilities and game action performance over the course of the season are a big challenge for coaches and players. Purpose: The aims of the present study were to examine (1) the seasonal changes in the physical capabilities (mechanical and kinematic) and game-performance indicators in top-level men volleyball players and (2) the relationship between these physical capabilities and game-performance indicators in official matches. Methods: Eleven top-level players participated. Players were physically tested 3 times during the season. Before each test, players' match performance (11 sets) was analyzed according to the level of opposition and match location. The percentage of change, statistical differences over the season (Friedman and Wilcoxon tests), and associations between variables (Spearman r) were calculated (P < .05) among mechanical (force-velocity profile during vertical jump and bench press), kinematic (jump height and spike ball speed), and game action performance features (coefficient, efficacy, and percentage of errors in serve, attack, and block). Results: The theoretical maximal force and velocity during vertical jump and bench press, respectively; the peak spike ball speed; and the serve efficacy significantly increased over the season. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in serve errors as the jump height increased (r = -.44; P = .026), as well as a significant increase in serve errors as the peak spike ball speed increased (r = -.62; P = .001). Conclusion: These findings reveal how the physical and game action performance variables evolve and interact during the season. This may help coaches and trainers to monitor and analyze the most relevant volleyball performance factors.