Analysis of game variables to predict scoring and performance levels in elite men’s volleyball

Sport games are characterized by their play structure. To date, the play structure of volleyball remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify play structure variables that are appropriate for differentiating between top-level teams and second-level teams in elite international men’s volleyball.236 sets played by 14 teams during top international events were video recorded and analysed for variables related to action sequences (attack, counter-attack), attack tempo (fast, medium, slow), attack positions (1-6) and attack combinations (e.g., high passes on position 4 or 5). A discriminant analysis was conducted for the following dependent variables: (1) results (win vs. lose) and (2) team level (top-level teams vs. second-level teams).The best predictors for results and team levels are variables (effectivity of counter-attack, effectivity of medium and slow attack-tempo) related to complex 2 (action sequences of defending, setting and counter-attacking). In contrast, the impact of complex 1 variables (action sequences of reception, setting and attacking) are marginal.It is concluded that second-level teams must adjust their training schemes, i.e., spending more time for counter-attacks with medium and slow attack tempos to increase team performance in elite men’s volleyball.