Volleyball Spiking Analysis for Scoring Success: Performance Indicators in the 2024 VNL Women’s Teams

Abstract

Spiking is a critical determinant of success in volleyball, serving as a primary offensive strategy to score points and maintain momentum. This study analyzed the spiking performance of the champion and runner-up teams in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), focusing on five spiking types: line, cross, sharp, tool, and tip. A total of 2,599 spiking actions were analyzed using Focus X2, a video analysis tool. The results revealed significant differences in spiking patterns. The runner-up team relied more heavily on cross spikes (M = 12.91, p < 0.01) and tip spikes (M = 6.50, p < 0.01), while the champion team demonstrated a balanced approach. The champion team achieved higher attack efficiency (M = 13.48, SD = 2.40) compared to the runner-up team (M = 14.88, SD = 3.23, p = 0.01). Additionally, the runner-up team exhibited higher frequencies of cross spikes (31.44%) and tip spikes (18.39%), but the champion team's superior consistency in rally play (M = 11.48, SD = 4.91 vs. M = 17.63, SD = 5.70, p < 0.01) and lower error rates (M = 3.73, SD = 2.00 vs. M = 4.05, SD = 1.99, p = 0.40) contributed to their success. The findings highlight the importance of balancing tactical diversity and technical precision in spiking. This research underscores the value of performance analysis in enhancing volleyball training and match strategies, offering actionable insights for coaches, players, and analysts. The study’s implications extend beyond immediate match outcomes, offering a framework for evidence-based training and strategic development in volleyball.