Influence of rotation and reception zone on reception performance in elite women’s volleyball

Abstract

Reception is a key determinant of performance in high-level teams, and it is influenced by contextual factors that affect both its execution and the outcome of the rally. This study examined the combined effect of team rotation and reception zone on reception performance in high level women’s volleyball. We analysed 17,836 receptions from the Olympic Games and the 2024 Volleyball Nations League using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models (multinomial and ordinal). Teams tended to serve often to Zone 5, regardless of rotation, likely trying to avoid the libero and make it harder for the outside hitter to build the attack when positioned in the front row. Reception in these front-row areas was more inconsistent, with more errors and poorer contacts than in other zones, especially in receiving Team Rotations 3 and 6. In addition, the libero’s position was shown to play a relevant role in reception performance, with better outcomes in RZ6 (in Team Rotations 1, 3 and 6); and in RZ1 (In Team rotation 2). Additionally, the position of the outside player near the setter appears to influence reception performance, with lower performance observed when it coincides with its usual reception zone in several rotations: Team Rotation 2*RZ5, Team Rotation 3*RZ5, and Team Rotation 6*RZ1.These findings reinforce the relationship between rotation and reception zone, and they can help to guide both training towards weaker areas and serving strategies to gain advantage in high level women’s volleyball . They also provide a useful reference for analysing the evolution of the game and the potential impact of future rule changes.