Manipulating net height in volleyball small-sided games: effects on professional female athletes’ tactical-technical performance

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of manipulating the net height in 4 vs. 4 small-sided games on the tactical-technical performance of professional female volleyball athletes. Eight professional female athletes participated in this study, playing 4 vs. 4 small-sided games at three net heights: 2.15 m, 2.24 m, and 2.33 m. The technical-tactical actions (Specific Performance per Action, Specific Performance per Component, and General Performance) were analyzed through the IAD-VB. Results indicated that the lower net height favored the complex 0 actions (p=0.034; V=0.329), while the higher net height favored setting (p=0.001; V=0.449), attack (p=0.038; V=0.325), and defense (p<0.001; V=0.731) action structuring. Additionally, the net height was associated with the decision-making component (p=0.011; V=0.368), suggesting that this specific manipulation may affect the complexity of the decision-making process in the game setting.