Dangelmaier, B. S., & Coward, S. M. (2001). Fatigue induced kinematic changes in a volleyball spike. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 1341.

Female collegiate volleyball players (N = 9) performance 50 trials of a volleyball spike. Fatigue was evident toward the end of the block of trials.

Fatigue caused notable changes in many kinematic features of the players' actions. Movement segments slow, the magnitude of segments is decreased, and decreased movement amplitudes appear to be compensated for by changing angles of movements. Both ball velocity and hitting accuracy decreased.

The implications of the modifying role of fatigue on skill techniques, poses a problem for coaches. It would be ill advised to coach non-fatigue techniques to players who are fatigued. They would not be able to execute the technical features, which could cause psychological problems of frustration, negative feedback, etc.

Implication. Fatigue causes skilled movements to alter and their effectiveness to decrease.

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