Accuracy in a volleyball service test in rested and physical exertion conditions in elite and near-elite adolescent players

Volleyball coaches use skill tests to assess the skill level of their players and to predict the players' future success. In a typical volleyball skill test, the players are asked to perform the skill after a rest period. The purpose of this study was to assess a volleyball service test performed not only under a rested condition but also immediately following physical exertion. Twenty-six male adolescent volleyball players (15 elite players of a coherent team [team A; mean age = 16.4 years] and 11 near-elite players of a high school team [team B; mean age = 16.3 years]) performed a service test in a rested condition and following physical exertion. The physical exertion consisted of a block at the net followed by a dig at the 3-m line, both performed twice, and again a block at the net. The players performed 10 consecutive serves under the rested condition and 5 sets of 2 consecutive serves under the physical exertion condition. The points for each serve were allotted according to predesignated target areas. The data analyses indicated no differences between the teams in service performances. No differences between the players' service scores in rested and physical exertion conditions were found. A high correlation (r = 0.97) was obtained between the total score of the test and the number of successful 7-point serves. A moderate correlation (r = 0.69) was found for the 7-point serves score following exercise. It was concluded that the number of serves hit successfully at the 7-point areas can be used by coaches as the total score of the test. In addition, the number of successful 7-point serves performed after physical exertion can provide coaches with relevant information on their players' serving skill level.