Decision-making and performance in intermediate and terminal actions in volleyball according to the set result

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the association between decision-making and performance during intermediate and terminal actions in volleyball, and set results. A total of 9,285 game actions were collected: 4,364 intermediate actions (1,454 receptions, 1,377 setting actions, and 1,548 defence actions) and 4,921 terminal actions (1,533 serves, 1,555 attacks, and 1,818 blocks), gathered from 21 teams participating in the U-19 Spanish Championship held in 2012. Two matches of each team were observed. Study variables were: Set result, decision-making, and performance during intermediate and terminal game actions in volleyball. Results showed a significant association between set result and the variables decisionmaking and performance in both intermediate and terminal game actions. In fact, better players' decision-making and higher players' performance in both intermediate and terminal actions were significantly associated with winning sets. When coaching U-19 players, carrying out activities that improve players' decision-making abilities should be highly recommended.