Optimal serve distance for greater ball flight deviation in volleyball float serves
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Abstract
In volleyball, the float serve is used to create aerodynamic instabilities that will cause deviations from the normal parabolic trajectory. Previous studies have examined serve speed and ball aerodynamics, but the relationship between serve flight distance and trajectory deviation remains unknown. Using a dual camera system, standing float serves were recorded in real conditions. Serves were executed from 9-13m before the net aiming at 3-9 m beyond the net, generating 1224 different serve trajectories. Early frame prediction of landing coordinates for each serve was compared with the real landing coordinates to quantify deviations from the expected parabolic trajectory. Prediction errors were analysed for their dependence on the serve distances with the ANOVA procedure, and the found optimal distances were associated with the increased expectation of achieving high deviations (≥27.1cm) with the Fisher’s exact test. Results showed that 16-17 m is associated with increased trajectory deviation when compared to shorter (p < .001) and longer (p < .001) distances. Optimal distance serves were 28% more likely to achieve high deviations. This study shows that the serve distance can be used as a simple, equipment-free coaching tool to achieve trajectory deviation of a float serve in training and in a match.
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