Biomechanical analysis of distance adjustment in volleyball overhead pass

ABSTRACT

In volleyball, the overhead pass is important. Coaches usually teach players to push the ball, utilising the legs, especially for a long distance pass. The purpose of this study was to conduct a biomechanical analysis of an overhead pass to different distances. Twelve male elite volleyball players participated. They were told to pass a ball with an overhead pass through a 2.43 m high ring located 3 m, 6 m, and 9 m in front of them. Twenty-four reflective markers were placed on the ball and the subject’s body to obtain joint centres, joint angles, and ball position. EMG activities were recorded from four right arm muscles. Triceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis pull and push phase activities differed significantly between 3 m and 6 m, but not between 6 m and 9 m. On the other hand, leg movements were significantly different among 3 m, 6 m, and 9 m, suggesting that leg movements supplement the power given to the ball. Thus, as the distance to a target lengthens in an overhead pass, not only arm movement but also leg movement is required.

KEYWORDS:

• Motion analysis
• kinematics
• muscle activity
• biomechanics
• setting

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the players who volunteered to participate in this study, as well as their coaches for allowing usage of the data. Especially, we are thankful for the cooperation of Prof. Tsumiyama, who is head coach of the Tokai University Volleyball team. We also thank Drs. Larry Crawshaw and Candac O’Connor for editing the English in the manuscript.

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.