Optimizing position-specific preparation: Long-term pre-match warm-up external load analysis using micro-sensor integrated LPS in elite female volleyball players.

Abstract

Background: Although it is known that determining the external loads during matches and training is essential for coaches to understand game demands, optimize and specify players' performance, or avoid overtraining or overload scenarios, it has been observed that the pre-match warm-up external load is neglected. The aims of this study were (i) assess the pre-match warm-up external load for female volleyball players and (ii) compare this load by player position.

Methods: External loads (total distance, jump count, acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), ACC_max, DEC_max, ACC/min, speed_max, metabolic load) of fourteen elite female volleyball players during pre-match warm-up were monitored with Local Positioning System (LPS) for a season and separated according to player positions (libero (L), outside hitter (OH), opposite (OPP), middle blocker (MB), setter (S)).

Results: Elite female volleyball players performed 888.1-1078.5 m total distance, 15.9-85.3 jumps (excluding L: 7.6 jumps), 18.5-31.8 ACC and 10.4-28.2 DEC counts, 13.1-15.3 m.sec^- 1 speed_max and 214.2-406.0 m metabolic load during the pre-match warm-up. While S had significantly higher total distance, jump count, ACC and DEC count, ACC_max, ACC/min and speed_max (η²: large, p < .001), OH and OPP had the highest metabolic load (η²: large, p < .001). L had significantly higher ACC_max and DEC_max, speed_max data accompanied by significantly lower total distance, ACC count and metabolic load (η²: large, p < .001).

Conclusion: External load metrics during pre-match warm-up in female volleyball players showed clear positional differences. These findings highlight the need for coaches and strength and conditioning professionals to design role-specific warm-up strategies that reflect the physical demands of each position. By tailoring pre-match preparation in this way, practitioners may better optimize readiness, reduce the risk of fatigue or overload, and improve subsequent match performance.