Evidence-Based Determinants of Spike Performance in Collegiate Volleyball Players

Abstrak

Background: Spike performance is one of the most important offensive skills in volleyball and is influenced by physical and biomechanical characteristics. Objective: This study aimed to identify the physical and biomechanical determinants of spike performance among collegiate volleyball players. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was conducted involving 30 collegiate volleyball players. Vertical jump height, approach speed, shoulder angle, arm swing velocity, core strength, reactive strength index (RSI), and spike performance were measured using standardized physical performance tests and two-dimensional motion analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: All variables were positively associated with spike performance (r = 0.49–0.76). Arm swing velocity (β = 0.36, p = 0.002), vertical jump height (β = 0.29, p = 0.012), and RSI (β = 0.24, p = 0.025) were identified as significant predictors, explaining 72.8% of the variance in spike performance (R² = 0.728). Conclusion: Arm swing velocity, vertical jump height, and reactive strength index are the primary determinants of spike performance. These findings provide evidence to support volleyball training programs focused on improving explosive power, neuromuscular performance, and biomechanical efficiency