Optimizing Volleyball Overhand Serve Power Through Push-Up Variations: A Practical Training Approach for Young Athletes

Abstract

This study was motivated by the low overhand service skills of athletes at Karuci Cijantung Volleyball Club. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of push-up variation exercises on improving overhand service skills. The research method used was an experimental design with One Group Pretest–Posttest Design. The sample consisted of 15 male athletes of Karuci Cijantung Volleyball Club. The research instrument was an overhand service skill test using a target area. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics, including normality test, homogeneity test, and paired sample t-test. The results showed that the average pretest score of 40.47 increased to 52.73 in the posttest, with an average improvement of 12.26 points (30.3%). The paired sample t-test revealed that the calculated t-value (13.55) was greater than the critical t-table value (2.145) at the 5% significance level, with Sig. 0.000 < 0.05, thus the hypothesis was accepted. In conclusion, push-up variations training significantly improves the overhand service skills of volleyball athletes at Karuci Cijantung Club. This training program can serve as a simple, effective, and practical alternative strategy in athlete development.

Keywords: push-up variations, overhand service, volleyball