Differences in Game Dynamics between High-Level Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Matches

The aim of this research is to verify whether there is a difference in the average duration of the active and passive phases of the game between volleyball and beach volleyball. A total of 2392 active and passive phases were measured during high-level volleyball and beach volleyball matches for males. Matches were played by four teams (53 players) in indoor volleyball (age 29 +/- 4.94 years) and five teams (10 players) in beach volleyball (age 28.27 +/- 6.64 years). Possible differences were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. The average duration of the active phase in volleyball is 5.55 s +/- 4.38 s. In beach volleyball, the active phase lasts marginally longer, at 6.00 s +/- 3.44 s. The average duration of the passive phase in volleyball is 35.27 s +/- 25.96 s and it lasts longer than the average passive phase in beach volleyball at 33.82 s +/- 22.98 s. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.00) between the active phases in volleyball (Md = 3.53, n = 727) and beach volleyball (Md = 3.43, n = 484), U = 140770.00, z = -5.90 with small effect according to Cohen's criterion (r = 0.14). The Mann-Whitney U test (U = 160773.00, z = -1.10) showed no statistically significant difference in the average duration of the passive phases at volleyball and beach volleyball. This research determined that there is a statistically significant difference in the average duration of the active phase between volleyball and beach volleyball. The new insights gained in this research can support a more precise programming of training intensity in high-level volleyball and beach volleyball.