How does it affect the setter intervention to the block participation, in high level male volleyball?

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine how different variables of the setting action affect to the block participation in high level male volleyball. The study sample was comprised of a total of 2742 game actions, divided into 1371 setting actions and 1371 block actions, corresponding to the observation of the 24 matches of the third stage of the World Male Volleyball Championship, absolute category. The dependent variable was block participation (zero or one blocker, two blockers, three blockers). The independent variables were: setting zone (excellent, acceptable, unacceptable), type of set (standing set, jump set), setting technique (overhand set, forearm set), set´s area (zone one, zone two, zone three, zone four, zone six) and tempo of set (first tempo, second tempo, third tempo). The result of this study showed that the variables setting zone, type of set, set’s area and tempo of set, were predictors of the block participation. Thus, the decision-making of the setter in the setting action as well as the type, area and tempo of set, has high relevance in game, affecting to the block participation of the opposing team.