The effect of set on the structure of the opponents’ block in the 1st National Division

Eleni Paschali, Aikaterini Papadimitriou, Eleni Zetou & Vasilis Gourgoulis

Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science

Volleyball is assigned to team-sports and specifically to net-games. The success in gaining points by attack or kill blocks is mainly determined by the players’ cooperation and the successful ball contacts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of time, quality and zone direction of setter’s set in the structure of the block, in first (A1) national division. The sample was the Greek setters of first (A1) men national division, in 2001-2002 season game. 48-videotaped games were observed (4 for each team). Data were collected via the Video A.S. program, using the indirect observation method. The following pa- rameters were evaluated: a) tempo of the set, b) quality of the set, c) zone of set’ s direction and d) structure of opponents’ block. According to Crosstabs analysis, the 2nd tempo sets were the most often used. Also these sets were directed mainly to the 4th and 2nd zone. It seems that the tempo of the set, the set quality and the direction zone of set, influenced the structure of opponents’ block. Μost of the sets were against double block, (regardless of the tempo, the quality or the direction zone of set), except the first tempo sets, the sets directed to the 3rd zone and the sets of bad quality performance. In conclusion, the structure of the oppo- nent’s block seems to be influenced under the tempo, the quality and the direction zone of set.

Key words: volleyball, structure of the block, set, observation.