Vertical Jump Performance during Video Simulated Blocking and Maximal Effort Jumping in Female Collegiate Volleyball Players

This study’s purpose was to compare jump height, velocity and force production between video simulated blocking, [reactive timing (RT) jump], and maximal effort vertical jumping, [self-select timing (SST) jump]. 10 female collegiate volleyball players performed both jumps onto a force plate in a laboratory while being videotaped with one camera. Jump heights(cm), velocities(m/s), and forces(%BW) were calculated using Peak Motus. A RMMANOVA identified differences in the dependent variables across the two jumps. Jump height and peak velocity were significantly higher in the SST jump, 52.20+8.43 v 38.33+11.76 cm, and 5.69+0.71 v 5.4+0.61 m/s, respectively, p<.05. No differences were found in peak vGRFs, p<.05. Results indicate jump characteristics of the maximal effort VJ do not mimic those of a simulated volleyball block.