Analysis of the variables that predict serve efficacy in young volleyball players

The main objective of this research study was to analyse, in volleyball, the prediction level of different serve variables on its efficacy. The sample was comprised of 2038 serve actions, corresponding to 36 female teams participating in the Spanish Championship female in 2010 in the Under-14 and Under-16 categories. The independent variables were: serve zone, serve type, striking technique, in-game role of the server, reception zone, receiver player and serve direction. The dependent variable was serve efficacy. The multinomial logistic regression applied showed that all the variables considered in the study, except for serve direction and striking technique, predicted the efficacy of serve. The probability of increasing serve efficacy was achieved through: executing standing serves, serving to the space between players and serve reception by players other than the libero. These results can guide coaches in volleyball player training processes, with respect to the serve action.