Kinematic analysis of volleyball spike jump.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of upper and lower extremity movements on the volleyball spike jump (SJ) and how this movement may differ from the standing vertical jumps due to its asymmetry. The 3-D kinematics of body segments were measured in 16 experienced volleyball players with a VICON motion capture system. The jump heights (JH) of counter-movement (CM) and SJ were determined utilizing a force platform. A significant correlation was found between the JH during the SPJ and the maximal horizontal velocity of the center of mass (CoM) (r=0.71, p=0.002), the minimum height of the CoM (r=-0.68, p=0.004), the JH during CMJ (r=0.66, p=0.006) and SJ (r=0.74, p=0.001), the range of movement of right knee flexion-extension (r=0.76, p=0.001) and the angular velocity of left shoulder hyperextension (r=0.72, p=0.002). The asymmetry of the SJ revealed differences in angles, angular velocities of the right and left legs and arms, and a significant difference (p=0.001) between the distances of the left and right foot center to the CoM. Results of our study suggest the importance of optimal approach technique to reach a maximal JH in the volleyball SJ. The SJ movement is influenced by general jumping ability.