Mathematical models to identify high-performance players for the Brazilian under-19 men’s volleyball team

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to identify parameters that best discriminate between selected and non-selected players for the Brazilian under-19 men’s volleyball team and propose mathematical models to identify high-performance players. To this end, 18 selected (16.89±0.96 years) and 138 non-selected (16.91±0.74 years) players for the under-19 team were assessed for the training profile, anthropometric profile, and physical performance level. The discriminant function analysis was used to build the models, with a significance of α<0.05. The spike jump reach showed a greater correlation with the discriminant scores obtained in the two models (r=0.701; r=0.782). The 10 variables included in Model 1 helped identify 88.9% of the players selected in their group of origin; Model 2 – obtained by the spike jump reach and duration of playing experience – identified 83.3% of the players selected. Therefore, coaches should be aware that differences between the selected and non-selected players are multi-factorial, with the spike jump reach being the most relevant assessment factor. Furthermore, good players for the selection can be identified using the two models: Model 1 promises greater success with ten assessments, whereas Model 2 allows the identification of suitable players for the under-19 men’s volleyball team with only two simple assessments.

KEYWORDS:

• Vertical jump
• change of direction
• talent identification
• physical fitness
• collective sports

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge support from CAPES-Brazil and CNPq-Brazil. We are grateful to the Aquatic and Terrestrial Activities Group of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul for the discussions and comments. We are grateful for the collaboration of the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.