The influence of set speed on the attack efficacy of the outside hitter in elite male volleyball

The purpose of this study was twofold: a) to analyze if the set speed can predict the attack efficacy of the outside hitter; and b) if the team level is a predictor of set speed and attack efficacy. A total of 32 games of elite competitions were observed, and 260 attack actions performed by the outside hitters from six national teams were analyzed throughout the Kinovea Software. Independent-sample t-tests were conducted and, when differences between groups were significant (i.e., p < .050), those variables were included in the model as covariates. Additionally, to analyze the predictor variables of efficacy, logistic binary regression and linear regression were used. Results showed that the better the reception, the higher the set speed; however, neither the set speed nor the team level predict the attack efficacy. Thus, it can be concluded that the individual performance of the outside hitter should be developed instead the set speed. Notwithstanding, to increase the speed of the game, teams should improve the receptor efficacy. It is important for teams to find a set speed that balances the benefit of a faster set with the need for control and accuracy from the outside hitter. Keywords: Volleyball; sports performance; kinovea software; side-out phase; game model.