Analysis of landing situations and the relationship between landing situations and injury history in volleyball

Abstract

(Purpose) This study aimed to investigate the relationship between double-leg and single-leg landings in volleyball and the history of injuries, specifically ankle sprains and jumper’s knee. (Methods) Eighteen players from a first-division university men’s volleyball team were observed their landing movements through videotapes of 68 sets across 19 matches. Landing motions were analyzed, and a questionnaire assessed participants’ history of ankle sprains and jumper’s knee over the past five years. Data were categorized by landing motion, player position, competitive phase, number of sets, and injury history. (Results) No significant association was found between landing type (double-leg vs. single-leg) and prior ankle sprains or jumper’s knee. Setters exhibited significantly more double-leg landings than single-leg landings. Blocks had significantly more double-leg landings compared to spikes and serves, with the cross-step block showing the highest total landings. The fifth set had fewer double-leg landings than the second and third sets. (Conclusion) This study indicates no direct link between landing type and injury history among volleyball players. However, significant differences in landing distribution were observed based on player position and competitive phase. Future research should explore these associations with broader injury profiles and more extensive participant cohorts.