Influence of serve type and speed on passing success in elite Czech men's volleyball

Miroslav Krajcigr, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech RepublicFollow
Petr Bahenský, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech RepublicFollow
David Marko, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech RepublicFollow
Sára Šestáková, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech RepublicFollow
Ladislav Čepička, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech RepublicFollow

Abstract

Background: Serve effectiveness plays a critical role in volleyball, influencing the opponent’s reception and subsequent attack. While smash serves are powerful, float serves may disrupt the opponent through unpredictable flight patterns. This study examined how serve type and speed affect reception quality in elite men’s volleyball. Methods: A total of 543 serves (254 float, 289 smash) from one Czech Extraliga team across seven home matches were analyzed using video recordings and radar measurements. Serve speeds were grouped into predefined categories. Effectiveness was defined as the sum of effective receptions and aces; error serves were excluded. Reception outcomes were classified as effective or ineffective. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A Chi-square test assessed the association between serve type and reception outcome. Effect size was measured using Cramer’s V, and 95% confidence intervals were computed. Results: Smash serves showed significantly higher effectiveness (45.7%) than float serves (27.6%), and a higher ace rate (10.7% vs. 4.7%). Smash serves of ≥101 km/h were the most effective (77.6%, 20.4% aces). The Chi-square test confirmed a significant association between the serve type and the reception outcome (χ²(1) = 37.21, p < .001), with Cramer’s V = 0.185. Conclusions: Serve type and speed affect reception success. Smash serves yield more direct points, while float serves consistently disrupt opponent offense. Coaches should apply both types to vary tactical pressure.

Recommended Citation

Krajcigr M, Bahensky P, Marko D, Sestakova S, Cepicka L. Influence of serve type and speed on passing success in elite Czech men's volleyball. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(1):Article7. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.1.07