Prediction of Libero’s Performance on the basis of Selected Anthropometric Characteristics

Mithilesh Kumar Singh¹, Rajender Lal², Rakesh Kumar Patel³, Rajeev Chaudhary⁴

¹School of Studies in Physical Education, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.).

²Physical Education, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi

³ DIET, Shahjahanpur (U.P.)

⁴ School of Studies in Physical Education, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G.).

*Corresponding author: drrajender01@gmail.com

Abstract. The objective of the study was to predict of Libero’s performance on the basis of selected anthropometric characteristics. In this study, Libero’s performance was selected as dependent variable (DV) and selected anthropometric characteristics  i.e. LP (Libero’s Performance), LH (Libero’s Height), LW (Libero’s Weight), LAL (Libero’s Arm Length), LFAL (Libero’s Fore Arm Length, LUAL (Libero’s Upper Arm Length), LUAC (Libero’s Upper Arm Circumference), LWC (Libero’s Waist Circumference), LHC (Libero’s Hip Circumference), LLL (Libero’s Leg Length), LLLL (Libero’s Lower Leg Length), LTC (Libero’s Thigh Circumference) and LCC (Libero’s Calf Circumference) were observed as independent variables (IV). For the purpose of the present study, the subjects were selected from Inter-university level Volleyball Tournament. A total of 75 male Liberos were purposively selected for the study. The age of the subjects ranged between 18-28 years. To find out relationship between Dependent Variable (Libero’s Performance) and Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), Product Moment correlation and multiple correlations were applied. For predicting Dependent Variable (Libero’s Performance) on the basis of Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), multiple regression equation was applied. Established regression models are: (1) Libero’s Performance = 114.163-551X Libero’s Height (2) Libero’s Performance = 137.345 -1.171 X Libero’s Height+.913 X Libero’s Leg Length (3) Libero’s Performance = 95.165 -.944 X Libero’s Height+1.296 X Libero’s Leg Length -1.024 X Libero’s Calf Circumference. The findings suggest that performance is associated with anthropometric characteristics with  biomechanical  implications  that  may  be  used  to  provide  a  more  complete  evaluation  of  Libero’s  performance.

Keywords: Libero’s Performance, Anthropometric Characteristics, Volleyball

Introduction

The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball introduced a new concept of specialized player, the ‘Libero’ in 1996 (FIVB, 2016). Libero is an inevitable product of modern volleyball having crucial and rich role in the field of Volleyball (Marcelino et al., 2009). The Libero player is specialist in defense, wears a uniform that is different from rest of the team players and plays at the back row and not allowed to complete an attack hit if at the moment of contact the ball entirely higher than the top of the net. The player of this position is usually responsible for receiving the service, setting the ball and passing the ball in such a way that can be utilized by his team players to convert it into a good attack. A Libero is supposed to have a good ability of passing, digging, ball handling, quickness and consistency. In game situations, sometimes a Libero can be a turning point of match winning. Numerous factors may affect the performance of a Libero in game situations, including his anthropometric characteristics, technical skills, mental toughness etc. (Valladares et.al., 2016; Bergeles et.al., 2009; Mesquita et.al., 2007; João  et.al.,  2006). The present paper makes an attempt to predict the performance of Libero on the basis of selected anthropometric characteristics.

Objective

The objective of the study was to predict of Libero’s performance on the basis of selected anthropometric characteristics.

Materials and Methods

Subjects of the Study

For the purpose of the present study, the subjects were selected from Inter-university level Volleyball Tournament. A total of 75 male Liberos were purposively selected for the study. The age of the subjects were ranged from 18 - 28 Years.

Procedures

Anthropometric data included 13 traits, chosen among those considered to be important indicators for performances of Liberos because they have landmarks on the skeleton and minimal changes, within the limits of instrumental error. All measurements were taken by trained experts according to the techniques recommended by Weiner and Lourie. Using specific equipment consisting of small and large calipers and an anthropometer. In addition, each Liberos self-reported for all variables measurement.  

Variables of the Study

In this study, libero’s performance was selected as dependent variable (DV) and selected anthropometric characteristics  i.e. LP (Libero’s Performance), LH (Libero’s Height), LW (Libero’s Weight), LAL (Libero’s Arm Length), LFAL (Libero’s Fore Arm Length, LUAL (Libero’s Upper Arm Length), LUAC (Libero’s Upper Arm Circumference), LWC (Libero’s waist Circumference), LHC (Libero’s Hip Circumference), LLL (Libero’s Leg Length), LLLL (Libero’s Lower Leg Length), LTC (Libero’s Thigh Circumference) and LCC (Libero’s Calf Circumference) were observed as independent variables (IV).

Statistical Analysis

To find out relationship between Dependent Variable (Libero’s Performance) and Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), product moment correlation and multiple correlations were applied. For predicting Dependent Variable (Libero’s Performance) on the basis of Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), multiple regression equation was applied.

Result and discussion

The findings of the study have been presented in tables 1 to 6 and illustrated vide figures 1-3.

Table - 1

Table showing Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Significance (1-tailed) in relation to Libero’s Performance and selected Anthropometric Characteristics