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A systematic review of volleyball spike kinematics: Implications for practice and research

The volleyball spike represents one of the more sophisticated attack actions, and the study of its kinematics has been the aim of several studies. This systematic review summarized and critically appraised the literature on the volleyball spike kinematics. Studies that analysed the 3D kinematics of the volleyball player during spike movements were searched in the PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases. Eighteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were assessed as high (n = 7), good (n = 6) and limited quality (n = 5). There are strong indications that the spike jump height depends on the velocities of the centre of mass and that the ball speed seems to be related to velocity variables of the spike arm and the trunk of the volleyball player. Cross-court spike performance from position 4 seems to be associated with the trunk rotation of the volleyball player. In addition to the kinematic differences between the sexes, studies analysed the relationship between spike technique performance and injuries. However, further studies are required before a clear relationship can be established. These results may support sports coaches in optimizing athletic performance with adequate technique training and using kinematic cues from the opposing volleyball players to anticipate spike direction.