The Answer

After analyzing the four main components and the several phases which make up the volleyball spike as well as the biomechanical principles that are involved it is clear to see that in order to effectively generate optimal performance and the greatest amount of accuracy and power an athlete must be able to perform fluently in each of the four components and they must be able to transfer all of the force gained throughout the movements into one maximal effort, the spike. During the run up the momentum gained can be transferred and conserved, from kinetic energy to potential energy, from a horizontal motion originally to a vertical momentum. The power in the vertical jump height can best be achieved by applying a greater force against the ground therefore resulting in a greater reaction force being created, thus increasing upward momentum. This increase in vertical jump height allows for the player spiking the ball to work out the best angle needed for power and accuracy when taking the shot at the peak of the jump, this usually produces the most power and speed on to the ball. The sequential acceleration of the athlete’s trunk, torso and limbs during the spiking action is the result of the kinetic chain, this allows for a fluent and effective production of force which generates a higher jump and optimal contact and power trajectory of the ball. Tactics can then be introduced such as the Magnus effect which gives the ball top spin resulting in the volleyball dropping closer to the net thus making it harder for the opposition players to return the shot.