The Effects of Motor Preparation on Reaction Speed Upon Blok Players Center (3) in Volleyball


Abstract in English

One of the skills that should be possessed by block players in volleyball is reaction speed. It effectively influences the player’s ability to block strong shots from the opponent correctly. However, response time is influenced by how much the player benefits from the prime which is provided around him to prepare for the next movement. When a player effectively prepares for the required movement in advance, these information are processed more rapidly, and thus, we notice an improvement in the player’s reaction time. Thus, we have conducted this study to find out the effect of special exercises designed for motor preparation on reaction speed for block players center (3) in volleyball . For the current study, we have used the priming test, suggested by Rosenbaum and Kormblum (1982) as a prior test and a follow-up test for both test group and blocked group, in order to figure out the effect of providing primes on the player’s reaction time. The primes provided were either identity for the required movementor neutral. We have followed the method of calculating the number of correct attempts executed by the players, in order to infer the change in their reaction speed. The results revealed improvement in the number of correct attempts for test group after applying the suggested training program in the two situations (identity-neutral). Therefore, we find that the applied program has contributed to an increase in the number of correct executed attempts, which suggests an increase in the speed of processing the information, leading to enhancing the reaction speed in block players center (3). In light of these findings, we have recommended the necessity of using the suggested training program as part of the training plans provided for Syrian volleyball teams. This recommendation is due to the program’s importance in improving reaction speed, on which most offensive and defensive skills in this game depends. We have also recommended the necessity of conducting further research and study, based on modern training methods.

References used

ROSENBOUM , D ;KORNBLAUM , S . A. priming method for investigating the selection for motor responses . ActaPsychologica , 1982 ,112-118
STUART, T. KLAPP.Motor Response Programming During Simple and Choice Reaction Time: The Role of Practice. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1995 ,70-80
HARTMUT LEUTHOLD. Programming of expected and unexpected movements: effects on the onset of the lateralized readiness potential.ActaPsychologica ,2003 ,44-48

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