SEGMENTALCOORDINATIONAND TEMPORAL STRUCTURE OF THE VOLLEYBALL PIKE

Abstract

In the game ofvol1eyball, the spike is one ofthe most difficult and demanding techniques to master. The athlete is expect4ed to jump and hit a ball with maximum force and accuracy at the approximate peak of the jump. Prsala (1982) identified four phases in the analysis of the spike: the approach, preparation, hitting, and landing. The approach involves t 0 or three controlled running strides, a transitional last step to prepare for the transfer ofhorizontal momentum to vertical momentum, and a two foot vertical jump. In the preparatory phase the striking arm is swung upward in an abduct d and laterally rotated position. The elbow is fle ed at approximately 90 degrees and the wrist hyperextended. During the hitting phase, the shoulder is elevated; the upper arm is inwardly rotated and a ducted; the forearm is extended at the elbow and the wrist is flexed. The athl te absorbs the downward momentum by flexing the joints of the lower extremities when landing.