THE INFLUENCE OF LIBERO PLAYERS ON TEAMMATE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN SIMULATED MATCHES: A CASE STUDY OF AMATEUR VOLLEYBALL ATHLETES

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the influence of libero players on the physical performance and mental workload of their teammates in a simulated volleyball match. The sample consisted of 12 male amateur volleyball players from a university in Yunnan Province, China. A crossover randomized controlled trial was used to compare the results in four competition conditions, each with or without a libero on each team. The variables studied were average heart rate (HR), percentage of maximum heart rate (Percentage HR), rate of perceived exhaustion (sRPE), mental workload (NASA-TLX), and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. The results showed that, the non-libero group had a significantly higher mean HR (162.18±5.79 bpm) compared to the libero group (149.79±9.18 bpm) with p = 0.023, as well as a higher Percentage HR (80.85±2.92% vs. 75.34±5.20%, p = 0.030), as well as sRPE (7.90±0.72 vs. 6.50±0.88, p = 0.001) and NASA-TLX (52.95±3.86 vs. 42.75±4.04, p = 0.001). In terms of CMJ, post-match values ​​were significantly lower within each group (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between the groups (p = 0.145). The results of the study showed that libero players play an important role in reducing the physical and mental burden on other players on the team, especially in reducing heart rate and fatigue. Both physically and mentally, the use of a libero should be considered as part of team strategy for amateur competitions.

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