VOLLEYBALL

Speed is the amount of distance covered in a given amount of time. Acceleration is how quickly you get to top speed. A volleyballplayer is focused on quick explosive feet.Strength, particularly in the quadricep, hamstring, and hip flexor groups, plays a role in all of these abilities. Reactive speed also obviously plays a key role. Speed needs to be addressed in all planes of motion under all forms of stimuli.

Poweris the product of force, therefore strength, and velocity. Power is the ability to exert strength in a given time frame. A good example is a vertical jump. It takes about .2 seconds for most athletes to go from flexion to extension at the knee before leaping. Why do some athletes that weigh the same amount and extend their knees in the same time frame jump higher than others? They can express more force via strength and motor recruitment in this time frame. Speaking of vertical leap, we can improve it here. A program utilizing methods tominimize power loss through the torso will be used in conjunction with plyometrics. The key is stabilizing the pelvis, hip abductors, adductors, and external rotators. We also need to analyze your jump for proper knee tracking and to prevent what former Chicago Bulls strength coach Al Vermeil calls back jumping. The low back is comprised predominantly of slow twitch fibers and will not get you vertical fast enough. Glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps should be used to provide power for jumping.

Every volleyball player we’ve worked with has wanted to be able to jump higher. Approach jump height is a measuring stick among the players, and they take pride in their personal best, so we spend time working on vertical leap. But more importantly we also work landings.

Agility is the body’s ability to change direction while maintaining speed. Power, and therefore strength is at the root of agility. Key areas are the legs, hips, abdominals, and low back.Agility is related to stopping and stopping is related to yourability to absorb and redirect energy.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Strength should be developed mainly through the use of free weights and body weight resistive movements. Free weights are supreme since the various stabilizers and co-contractors come into play, not just prime movers, much like during a game situation. A foundation of strength and stability is necessary in order to build upon this foundation using other modes of training in a safe, effective manner. Other modes utilized include plyometrics, medicine and Swiss ball training, speed training, and agility training. In addition, cardiovascular conditioning is enhanced during drills using appropriate work/rest ratios to mainly tax the phosphagen energy pathway, which is the main pathway utilized during the game.

Plyometrics utilize the body’s stretch reflex to yield a more forceful contraction. The goal of plyometrics is to increase power output. It is the linking of speed and strength to develop reactive power. It also teaches good coordination andagility. One needs a good strength base before performing plyometric exercise. The vertimax is one tool that we use at our facilities to improvespecific power. It is used at high schools and universities across the country.

Speed training utilizes strength training, form training and plyometrics. Sprint resistive and sprint assisted methods are used more specifically to target stride length and stride frequency respectively. The drills range from general to very specific. Agility training is accomplished utilizing drills that teach athletes to absorb energy.

Traditional methods are great for novices but the SFAS method departs from the traditional mode, focusing on energy absorption. Work/rest ratios are designed to enhance the appropriate metabolic pathways and for cardiovascular conditioning as well. An example of a specific drill would be a resisted open step while hooked up to external resistanceresponding to an external stimulus.

The total program is affected by and should be planned in accordance with at what point of the season the athlete is in. Generally speaking, the program moves from very generalized in the off season to more specific as the season approaches. Initially strength gainsand muscle mass, if needed, are emphasized. As the season approaches, more emphasis is placed on translating these gains to sport specific speed and power. The younger the athlete, the more skills training should be at the forefront. Provisions should be made in programs to blend skills and conditioning accordingly.