Effect of serve on reception and side-out performance in relation to ball´s contact with the net and type of serve, in high level male volleyball. [Efecto del saque en el rendimiento de la recepción y en el complejo I en función del contacto del balón con la red y el tipo de saque, en voleibol].

Abstract

The contact of the serve’s ball with the net in volleyball generates uncertainty in the receivers, due to the change in trajectory and speed that occurs. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the serve contact with the net on the performance of the receiving team, on male teams of the highest international level. A total of 4,227 actions of reception or side-out corresponding to 29 matches were analysed, of which only 275 contacted the net (5.42%). Reception performance was higher in the power jump serves that contacted with the net (p<0.001). However, the effect of contact with the net on floating serves did not have a significant impact. The final performance of the side-out did not make a significant impact neither. In conclusion, the contact of the ball with the net affects the reception performance in the highest international men's volleyball teams.