Estudio de la estructura formal de la defensa en voleibol masculino de alto rendimiento

Abstract

Scientific advances in the field of physical activity, most especially in sport, have been numerous and farreaching. Volleyball has not been left behind in these changes, as it has evolved at all levels. As a consequence of all these advances, performance control has become a basic pillar in elite sports. Following this line of thought, the advances in technology in other areas, such as computer science and audiovisual methods, have opened up new possibilities for performance control. The use of statistics in volleyball has become commonplace. Several different studies using observational methodology have been carried out in a wide range of collective sports, specifically in volleyball. However, the majority of them have focused on the elements of attack, making the elements of defense an area of very limited study. This is why, through observational methodology, our proposal for this research project is to deal with the study of the defense as a decisive game action in modern, high-level volleyball. We used observational methodology to register the actions of the first line and floor defense. We created an ad hoc observation instrument, validated by Delphi technology. With this aim in mind, we drew up a questionnaire which was validated by a consensus of the experts. A group of first-rate volleyball coaches and technicians, both national and international, filled in the questionnaire for us. To verify the viability of the use of our observation tool, we proceeded with the video recording of the 25th edition of His Majesty the King's Cup in 2011. The sample was finally made up of seven matches, 24 sets were played, and 1076 points were scored, in which 1721 actions were analyzed. In each of the actions, data was taken on 31 variables, which produced a total number of 53,351 pieces of information. 17 expert volleyball coaches of recognized national and international prestige also participated in our study, made up of 16 open questions. With respect to the results of the observation of the matches of the final phase of the King's Cup 2011, we point out that 20.03% of the actions carried out were first tempo attacks, where zones 2, 3 and 4 were the most frequent. 47.23% of the actions carried out were second tempo attacks, where zones 1 and 6 were the most frequent. 28.83% of the actions carried out were third tempo attacks, where zones 1 and 6 were the most frequent. Regarding the tempo of attacks by the setter, these make up 3.89% of the total actions, mostly carried out in zones 3 and 4. Regarding the zones where the attack is carried out, zone 1 dominates with 29.07%, followed by zone 6 with 22.29%. With reference to the behavior of the block, we must highlight that 343 actions of attack occurred in which an individual block was carried out by the defending team. In 22 of those blocking actions, 6.41%, a point was scored. 777 actions of attack occurred in which a double block was carried out by the defending team. In 99 of those actions, 12.74%, a point was scored. 73 actions of attack occurred in which a triple block was carried out by the defending team. In 11 of those actions, 15.07%, a point was scored. Regarding the conclusions obtained after the analysis and the discussions of the contributions of the volleyball experts with reference to the present and future of the defense systems, we would like to express the following sentiments. The evolution of the attack systems has caused the defense systems to progress, striving for balance. Most of the experts are in favor of evolving towards a read block. The zone where the setter is situated to carry out a set is decisive for the subsequent action of the blockers. If the setter has to make a set from a zone which is far from the net, the possibility of attacks in first tempo decreases. The main problem in making the right decision about the defensive position resides in the lack of time between the execution of the attack and the motor response of the defenders.