HLPE3531 Skill Acquisition and Biomechanics for Physical Educators
Biomechanics Blog - Volleyball Spike
Friday, June 19th 2015
Major
Question: What are the
optimal biomechanical techniques and principles for an effective volleyball spike?
Introduction:
Indoor volleyball is a high intensity game that encompasses a diverse
range of biomechanical movements, principles and elements (Volleyball Australia, 2015). The dig and set are two
essential elements where team members work collaboratively in order to prepare
for the spike, which will be the skill focus for this blog. Predominantly, the
spike is used as an attacking or an aggressive manoeuvre, which is executed with
explosive power and speed to manipulate the positioning of the opposing team.
As expressed by many professional athletes generating power on the ball is the
greatest element of the spike, but also the accuracy and placement of were the
ball lands is detrimental to the success of the skill (Volleyball Australia, 2015). The faster that ball
travels in to optimal trajectory, will enhance the chances of the opposition
being out of position and decrease the overall chances of them returning the
ball (Blazevich, 2013). When performing the skill, it is essential for athletes
to utilize the optimal technique that consists of a run up, launch jumping
height, arm swing, hit/follow through and landing. This blog will
demonstrate the direct correlation between the success of power and accuracy
and the execution of the volleyball strike through the correct biomechanical
principles and elements. It will have particular focus on the five technical
aspects of the skill process and how they affectively function in terms of the
human biomechanics. Refer to the video and picture below, which summarises the optimal technique.
Figure 1: Movement patterns of the volleyball spike
Run Up:
An essential part of preparation to performing a volleyball spike as an
athlete is the footwork of the approach prior to the jump, arm swing and
contact. As expressed by Blazevich (2010), Newton’s First Law states that “An object will remain at rest or continue
to move with constant velocity as long as the net force equals zero.” Prior
to the other skill elements within a volleyball spike, a running approach is
important in order to generate maximum momentum, to then transfer to excessive
elevation in relation to the vertical jump within the take of phase. Athletes
move in a straight forwards motion, indicating that the athletes move in a
linear motion prior to the take-off (Blazevich, pg.2, 2010) As expressed
by Blazevich, (2010) ”The acceleration of an object is
proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to the
mass of the object. During the approach, a player that is of larger stature
is able to generate more inertia than what is already present, creating a
larger amount of energy that can be transferred through the rest of
biomechanical elements involved in the skill . Athletes that are able lift
their foot and knee up higher during the approach create a shorter lever and
therefore then can move their mass faster and generate more speed. However,
those athletes who have less mass may have longer arms (levers) which are able
to generate greater speed during the arm swing as there is greater distance
between the joint and the point of contact with the ball.
In reference to Newtons 3rd Law Blazevich (2010) states that, “For every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction” The faster an athlete approaches a spike with a larger
amount of mass, then the more potential energy and kinetic energy they withhold
within themselves. A body that is approaching a spike can be described as
energy in motion and therefore, this energy has the potential to impact on the
overall speed, velocity and impact of the skill execution. If the kinetic chain is influenced in a negative way, the amount of energy that is transferred into the rest of the skill is impaired and as a result, the power and accuracy of the shot will decrease. As seen, the arms are directly behind the body, prior to the jump in order to create a 'whip' like movement forward to increase momentum into the jump.
Figure 2: A long stride length with
minimal horizontal movement and high knee lift to generate more power and
speed (www.quora.com).
Jump/Launch:
The jump/launch is pivotal in order to generate sufficient time to
transfer the potential energy created into the best shot, by executing with
accuracy and power (Linnell, Baudin & Gervais, 2007). When jumping, the
power is generated from the initial foot plant on the ground, where the legs
and core preload with the point of contact. Bending of the knee allows for some
absorption of impact and reduces the risk of knee injuries (Parson & Alexander 2012) however; vertical force and
momentum is generated from the push off of the foot plant in a vertical and
linear direction (Blazevich, 2013). Applying force against the ground, enables
the body to move in an upwards direction where the inertia of the athlete is
acted upon by gravity. Straightening of
the knees whilst in the air enables the body to push against the external
forces, and this may be a reflection of Newton’s 3rd Law – “For every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction” (Blazevich,
2013). An extension of the legs enables the athlete to hang within the air
momentarily deters the laws of gravity which will enable them to make a more
effective shot. Ideally, whilst in the
air, the athlete will experience very little horizontal movement variability to
maintain over their base of support and therefore maintain balance and
stability (Ciapponi, McLaughlin & Hudson,
1996).
Arm Swing:
Before applying contact to the ball by the hand, the skill invokes a wind
up or as it is more commonly known, an arm swing (Volleyball Australia, 2015). In order to hit the ball
with the most force or power, the range of motion of the arm swing needs to be
performed at an optimal level. This is commonly known as a kinetic chain
(Blazevich, 2013). The principle of the kinetic chain involves generating an
impact or collision motion in which a sequential acceleration from the proximal
to distal segments within skill techniques (Blazevich,2013). With particular
focus to the arm swing, the sequential movements begin from the torso, through
the upper back, moving through the shoulders, to the elbow and to the hand –
where the point of contact is made on the ball. This kinetic chain or summation
of forces assists the arm to store and release the energy from the muscle and
tendon at low extremities, whilst moving the trunk in an upward direction
(Hsieh & Heise, 2006). Furthermore, during the segment motion of an arm
swing, a lead happens which initiates the pull of the elbow and wrist.
Transferring into the turn swing or more commonly known as the trunk twist,
which generates wider motion and therefore; more power and force is able to be
generated when transferring to the forward swing phase. During the forward
swing of the skill, the elbow straightens vertically just prior to the point of
contact. When the ball makes contact with the hand, the legs straighten, and
the ball is struck slightly in front of the shoulder in order to increase the
range of motion and accuracy of the spike (Hsieh & Heise, 2006). It’s
important to recognize that whilst this part of the technique is occurring, the
player is making it difficult to maintain balance. The biomechanical principle
of the conservation of angular momentum attributes and directly correlates with
the success of the spike, indicating that other parts of the body such as an
opposite leg and arm need to react accordingly in order to maintain sufficient
balance through the arm swing and point of contact. This invokes Newton’s 3rd
law of motion, “action and reaction force”
(Blazevich, 2013). Refer to Video 2 for a more comprehensive understanding of the arm swing principles.
Figure 2: A bent elbow can be
distinguished, which will straighten before point of contact. An opposite leg
and arm can be distinguished to maintain stability through the shot (www.uni-watch.com).
Hit/Follow
Through:
When making contact with the volleyball, the aim is to exert all the
potential energy created on the ball, to maximize the speed and velocity. As
well as speed and velocity, the accuracy of the shot can be detrimental to the
success of the spike (Liu, 2012). Elite level spikers hit the ball just above
half way into the jump, at about 0.3 to 0.4 seconds into the jump, in order to
gain optimal projectile motion and angle (Mann, 2008). Blazevich (2013), describes optimal
projectile motion as “the optimal release
of an object at an optimal projected angle in the air.” In order for
projectile motion to be effective, the appropriate projectile angle needs to be
applied on the ball to go over the net and land in the opposition’s court. At a
projection angle of 45 degrees, the ball will have an equal magnitude of
vertical and horizontal velocity and its range will be maximized (Blazevich,
2013). However, when making contact with the volleyball, the amount of force
that is applied on the ball and to which part of the ball will determine the
accuracy of the shot. This is known as the force acting on the ball which
causes the ball to rotate in specific ways. As described by Blazevich (2013), "this
is measured by the equation ‘torque = inertia x angular acceleration (t=la)’
and will play a huge part in ball placement." This
biomechanical principle enables athletes to apply maximum force with the centre
of their hands whilst still maintaining their accuracy. Applying force to the
ball, with the shoulders slightly in front of the face allows for maximum
rotation (shot selection). Then, transferring all kinetic energy into force
(potential energy), the arm and wrist move in a downward motion which enables
control and placement of the shot in the court, whilst bringing the arm down
through the ball, ensuring maximum power of the spike (Liu, 2012). Snapping the
wrist downward quickly imparts topspin and directs the ball down quickly in an
opposition’s court (Chiang et al., 2007).
Landing:
Figure 3: Knees slightly bent, absorbing impact and reducing the chance of serious injury and damage by landing on two legs (www.nguyensportsmed.com)
The Answer:
To effectively execute the skill, athletes and participants must coordinate the basic biomechanical processes and principles in the correct order. Executing the basic principles and skills in through the correct techniques will enhance the accuracy and power of the volleyball skill. Athletes that have strong lower leg power and withhold explosive power within their legs will be able to generate more potential energy for the volleyball spike, providing they follow the appropriate kinetic chain. Any impairment on the kinetic chain, will deter the overall success of the shot. Athletes who are larger in statue and height will often posses longer limbs and therefore, biomechanically they should attain an advantage of being able to apply more force upon contact of the ball. Although it is not imperative to posses such physical characteristics, it will provide advantages for athletes who execute the optimal technique. Athletes that are able to remain stable by counteracting their weight in the air with an opposite arm to their leg will uphold more stability (less horizontal movement) and will have more efficient preparation prior to contact. When athletes make contact with the ball, the do so with their shoulder slightly in front of their face in order to maximise the rotation of the shoulder and the overall shot range. Straightening of the elbow and the whip of the wrist in a downward motion will dictate the projectile path and motion of the ball. Such a connection may impart spin on the ball, causing the Magnus effect to have influence on flight path of the ball. When landing, it is imperative that athletes do so on two feet with their knees bent slightly to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury.
To effectively execute the skill, athletes and participants must coordinate the basic biomechanical processes and principles in the correct order. Executing the basic principles and skills in through the correct techniques will enhance the accuracy and power of the volleyball skill. Athletes that have strong lower leg power and withhold explosive power within their legs will be able to generate more potential energy for the volleyball spike, providing they follow the appropriate kinetic chain. Any impairment on the kinetic chain, will deter the overall success of the shot. Athletes who are larger in statue and height will often posses longer limbs and therefore, biomechanically they should attain an advantage of being able to apply more force upon contact of the ball. Although it is not imperative to posses such physical characteristics, it will provide advantages for athletes who execute the optimal technique. Athletes that are able to remain stable by counteracting their weight in the air with an opposite arm to their leg will uphold more stability (less horizontal movement) and will have more efficient preparation prior to contact. When athletes make contact with the ball, the do so with their shoulder slightly in front of their face in order to maximise the rotation of the shoulder and the overall shot range. Straightening of the elbow and the whip of the wrist in a downward motion will dictate the projectile path and motion of the ball. Such a connection may impart spin on the ball, causing the Magnus effect to have influence on flight path of the ball. When landing, it is imperative that athletes do so on two feet with their knees bent slightly to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury.
How else
can this information be used?
Each biomechanical principle that is listed within this blog can be
transferred to a diverse range of sports and sporting contexts. As expressed,
the Magnus effect can be transferable to any sport which incorporates a ball
(Blazevich, 2013). Within volleyball, the ball is hit with a specific technique
in order to generate backspin, topspin or sidespin, which is transferable to
baseball. Professional pitches are able to generate spin on the ball, so that
it deviates away from its principal flight path. Furthermore, tennis players
are able to generate a Magnus effect on the ball, in a way to volleyball where
spin is generated in a horizontal axis perpendicular to the direction of
travel, where the top surface of the ball is moving forward with the spin
(Blazevich, 2013). In reference to momentum, and a specific notion to vertical
leaps, explosive power or the jump, this can be transferred to any sport that
involves jumping. More specifically, within basketball, athletes that are able
to generate more upwards momentum are able to hang in the air for more time by
the extension or straightening of the knees, providing them with a greater
advantage offensively or defensively. Landing on two feet after a jump and the
benefits for landing with slightly bent knees can be transferred into any sport
that requires a jump and landing. More specifically, AFL athletes could look to
emulate the landing on two feet whilst slightly bending the legs, to reduce the
amount of ACL injuries occurring each year (AFL, 2015)
Refer to Video 3 to comprehend, review and apply all learning areas covered within the blog.
References:
AFL. (2015). The official website of the Australian Football
League. Retrieved 12 June 2015, from http://www.afl.com.au/
Blazevich, A. (2013). Sports biomechanics. London:
A. & C. Black.
Blazevich, A. (2010). Sports biomechanics : the basics
: optimising human performance (2nd ed.). London: A. & C. Black.
Bressel, E., Cronin, J., Finn, L., & Heath, E. (2004).
Augmented Feedback Reduces Ground Reaction Forces in The Landing Phase of The
Volleyball Spike. Medicine &
Science In Sports & Exercise,36(Supplement), S294.
doi:10.1249/00005768-200405001-01408
Chiang, C., Nien, Y., Chiang, J., & Shiang, T.
(2007). KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF UPPER EXTREMITY IN TENNIS FLAT AND TOPSPIN SERVE.
Journal Of Biomechanics, 40, S196.
doi:10.1016/s0021-9290(07)70192-6
Ciapponi, T. M., McLaughlin, E. J.,
& Hudson, J. L. (1996). The volleyball approach: An exploration of balance.
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International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports. Thunder Bay, Ontario,
Canada: Lakehead University (pp.
282-285).
Coleman, S., Benham, A., & Northcott, S. (2000). A
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Of Sports Sciences, 11(4), 295-302. doi:10.1080/02640419308729999
Hsieh, C., & Heise, G. D. (2006.) “Important kinematic factors for
male volleyball players in the performance of a spike jump.” Proceeding of
American Society of Biomechanics, Blackburg, VA.
Linnell, W., Wu, T., Baudin, P.,
& Gervais , P. (2007). Analysis of the volleyball spike using working model
2D. Journal of Biomechanics,
40(2). doi:S760
Liu, B. (2012). Biomechanics Simulation of Volleyball Player in
Jumping Spike. AMR, 468-471, 38-41.
doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.468-471.38
Parsons, J., & Alexander, M.
(2012). Modifying Spike Jump Landing Biomechanics in Female Adolescent
Volleyball Athletes Using Video and Verbal Feedback. Journal Of Strength And
Conditioning Research, 26(4),
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Pion, J., Fransen, J., Deprez, D., Segers,
V., Vaeyens, R., Philippaerts, R., & Lenoir, M. (2015). Stature and Jumping
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Factor for Future Elite Success. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning
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Retrieved 14 June 2015, from http://www.avf.org.au/
