Lower-limb Power Determinants of Offensive Performance: Evidence from Male High School Volleyball Players

Abstract

Problems: The background of this research departs from the fact that many young players still have difficulty in performing optimal smashes, which is characterized by less powerful, inaccurate, and easily anticipated punches by opponents. Purpose: This study aims to analyses the relationship between leg muscle explosiveness and smash ability in male students who participate in volleyball extracurricular activities at the high school level. Methods: The study used a correlational design with a quantitative approach, involving 48 participants selected through a total sampling technique. The explosiveness of the leg muscles is measured using the Vertical Jump Test, while the smash ability is measured through the smash precision test using the target box. Results: The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the participants' vertical jump abilities were in the medium to high category (mean = 42.6 ± 6.8 cm), while the accuracy of the smash showed quite consistent performance (mean = 18.4 ± 3.2). The Pearson correlation test showed a significant positive relationship between leg muscle explosiveness and smash accuracy (r = 0.612, p = .001). Furthermore, the analysis of the determination coefficient revealed that the explosive power of the leg muscles contributed 69% to the smash ability. Conclusion: These findings confirm that the explosive ability of the limbs is one of the main determinants of the success of smash implementation, and therefore it is necessary to receive special attention in the training of the physical condition of volleyball players, especially at the level of school-age coaching. This research provides important implications for coaches and sports practitioners in developing evidence-based training programs to improve the performance of sergeant techniques.