The Effect of Different Times of the Interpolated Tasks on Warm-up Decrement in Volleyball Serve

A common phenomenon associated with sport behavior is the temporary decrement occurring when performance resumes after a period of inactivity. This phenomenon is termed warm-up decrement (WUD). In this study, the effect of different times of the interpolated tasks on warm-up decrement in the volleyball serve was examined. 56 University males (20±1.53 years old) were selected randomly and practiced 20 serve trials. Then they rested for 10 minutes and again attempted 5 final serves. During either last 2 or 5 minutes of rest period, participants continued to rest, ran in place, engaged in mental imagery, or repeatedly stroke the ball against the wall. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated ANOVA (4×2×4) test. Results showed that practice of stroking the ball was the most effective warm-up activity for eliminating WUD and imagery and running decreased WUD. Also, running for 2 minutes was better than running for 5 minutes, but no significant difference was observed among other interpolated tasks in 2 or 5 minutes. Theoretical discussion focused on possible applications of Nacson and Schmidt’s (1971) activity-set hypothesis to the volleyball serve.