Dependence of young female volleyballers' performance on their body build, physical abilities, and psycho-physiological properties.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to establish which anthropometric characteristics, physical abilities and psycho-physiological properties determine the success of adolescent female volleyballers at competitions.


METHODS
For this purpose we studied 32 female volleyballers aged 13-16 years. The anthropometric examination included 43 measurements, 7 tests of physical fitness, and 4 series of computerised psycho-physiological tests (n=21). The performance of game elements was measured empirically during championship games using the original computer program "Game".


RESULTS
The proficiency of performing volleyball elements - serve, reception, feint, block and spike - was calculated by regression models from the 14 anthropometric measurements, 4 physical fitness and 7 psychophysiological test results, which showed significant correlation with proficiency in the game. The predictive power of the models was at least 32% and in average 56%. The anthropometric factor was significant in the performance of all the elements of the game, being most essential (71-83%) for attack, block and feint. Good results in physical ability tests granted success in serve, attack and reception.


CONCLUSIONS
It was possible to predict the efficiency of reception (44%) by endurance, flexibility and speed measuring tests. Medicine ball throwing test was essential for attack (22%). Psycho-physiological tests were significant for the performance of block (98%), attack (80%), feint (60%) and reception (39%).
Stamm
R
R
Institute of Sport Pedagogy, Faculty of Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. raini@solo.delfi.ee
Veldre
G
G
Stamm
M
M
Thomson
K
K
Kaarma
H
H
Loko
J
J
Koskel
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D013223:Statistics as Topic