Alberto Moreno Domínguez

Analysis of Setting Efficacy in Young Male and Female Volleyball Players

Abstract The main objective of this study was to analyse the variables that predicted setting efficacy in complex I (KI) in volleyball, in formative categories and depending on gender. The study sample was comprised of 5842 game actions carried out by the 16 male category and the 18 female category teams that participated in the Under-16 Spanish Championship. The dependent variable was setting efficacy. The independent variables were grouped into: serve variables (a serve zone, the type of serve, striking technique, an in-game role of the server and serve direction), reception variables (a reception zone, a receiver player and reception efficacy) and setting variables (a setter‘s position, a setting zone, the type of a set, setting technique, a set’s area and tempo of a set). Multinomial logistic regression showed that the best predictive variables of setting efficacy, both in female and male categories, were reception efficacy, setting technique and tempo of a set. In the male category, the jump serve was the greatest predictor of setting efficacy, while in the female category, it was the set’s area. Therefore, in the male category, it was not only the preceding action that affected setting efficacy, but also the serve. On the contrary, in the female category, only variables of the action itself and of the previous action, reception, affected setting efficacy. The results obtained in the present study should be taken into account in the training process of both male and female volleyball players in formative stages.

Aplicación de un programa de intervención para mejorar la comprensión táctica en fútbol sala: un estudio en contexto educativo

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el efecto de un programa de Ensenanza Comprensiva sobre la toma de decisiones y ejecucion del pase y de la conduccion en el futbol sala en un contexto educativo. Participaron 21 alumnos con edades comprendidas entre los 12 y los 14 anos. Las variables independientes fueron el programa de intervencion basado en el modelo Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) y la experiencia en futbol sala federado. Las variables de toma de decisiones y ejecucion fueron evaluadas a traves del instrumento de observacion Game Performance Evaluation Tool (GPET) . Los resultados mostraron una mejoria significativa en la toma de decision del pase en el grupo sin experiencia tras la aplicacion del programa. Sin embargo, en el grupo con experiencia no fueron encontradas diferencias en ninguna de las variables. Los resultados destacan la necesidad de establecer adaptaciones e individualizar las tareas de aprendizaje.

Evolution of tactical behavior of soccer players across their development

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyse the tactical behaviour of soccer players in real-game situations across the different stages of development. The study involved 186 soccer players, aged between 8 and 19 years, from 15 teams across 3 Spanish Soccer clubs. We analysed 4409 actions over 30 league matches. The instrument used was an adaptation of the Game Performance Evaluation Tool, which measures decision-making and execution actions for passing, dribbling and shooting skills in different age groups (i.e. U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19). Our results demonstrate that in all groups the percentage of successful skill executions was lower than that of adequate decisions. Further, progression into the U10 and U14 groups interrupted the development of decision-making and skill execution actions. Based on this we propose a change to the regulatory configuration of youth and child categories that allows for a progressive adaptation to the skills and training needs of players. The training of both tactical and technical skills is also considered relevant.

Influence of experience in procedural knowledge in volleyball: Applications for training:

The aim of the study was to compare the procedural knowledge of expert and novice volleyball players, considering that the expert cognitive profile can be used as a reference in the tactical training process of players. The participants in this study included 8 experts and 11 novices. McPherson and Thomas’ verbal protocol instrument was used to access the players’ tactical knowledge. The results showed significant differences, with higher mean values in experts, in the condition and regulatory concepts, and in the hierarchies of goals related to themselves and opponents. Coaches must pay attention on increasing the amount of elements to analyse related to the environment, in order to improve players’ tactical training process in the service action. Athletes need to be taught on prioritize the most relevant elements of the environment. When training the serve, the areas of responsibility, strengths and weaknesses of each receiver must be assessed, as well as the influence of the serve on the construction of the opponent’s attack.