How serve origin-destination and receiver contact point shape reception in elite women’s volleyball

Abstract

Reception is a critical determinant of success in elite volleyball, yet the combined influence of serve trajectory and contact point remains underexplored, particularly in women’s competitions. This study analysed how the interaction between serve trajectory (origin and destination zones) and the receiver’s contact point affects reception quality in high-level women’s volleyball. It was hypothesised that receptions performed with middleline contact would achieve higher performance than those executed with lateral or low contacts, regardless of serve trajectory.