How small-sided games’ court dimensions affect tactical-technical behavior in beginner volleyball athletes
Marcelo Couto Jorge Rodrigues, Augusto Cézar Rodrigues Rocha, Claudio André Barbosa de Lira, Lucas Savassi Figueiredo, Cláudio Olívio Vilela Lima, Lorenzo Laporta, Gustavo De Conti Teixeira Costa
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the tactical-technical behavior of volleyball players according to the manipulation of court size in small-sided games. Method: We analyzed the tactical-technical behaviors of 16 male players (12.2 ± 0.5 years and 1.2 ± 0.8 years of practice) using the components of the GPAI instrument (Adjustment, efficiency, decision-making and effectiveness) validated for volleyball. To this end, we examined 1614 transition actions (defense, setting and attack) from games played in four court dimensions (3.0 × 3.0m, 4.0 × 4.0m, 4.6 × 4.6m and 5.2 × 5.2m). Altogether 96 Volleyball games were analyzed. Results: The smaller area per player favored technical skills development, specifically defensive and offensive ones. On the other hand, a larger area per player promoted higher scores in decision-making and effectiveness. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the players’ behaviors in small-sided games depend on the game configurations, since modifications in the tactical-technical behavior emanate from the game ecology. Thus, the court size manipulation is a powerful pedagogical tool that deeply relates to learning outcomes. Coaches must consider such constraints in the teaching-learning process, since small-sided games manipulations should be linked with clear learning goals.