The Effect of a High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) Program on Developing Explosive Power and the Straight Spike Skill in Elite Volleyball Players

Abstract

This study aimed to design a training program using High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and to identify its effect on developing the explosive power of the arms and legs, as well as the straight spike skill, among elite volleyball players. The researcher adopted an experimental approach with a single-group pretest-posttest design. The research sample consisted of (16) elite volleyball players from the Al-Jaish Sports Club. The training program was implemented over a period of (8) weeks, with (3) training sessions per week, totaling (24) training sessions, and each session lasting (90) minutes. The research variables were measured using approved tests, which included the explosive power of the arms and legs and the straight spike skill. Statistical analysis was performed using (SPSS). The results showed statistically significant differences between the pretest and posttest, in favor of the posttest, in the explosive power of the arms, as the mean score increased from (380.250) to (382.313), and in the explosive power of the legs, increasing from (211.500) to (214.313). Furthermore, significant differences were found in the straight spike skill, where the mean score rose from (8.875) to (9.688). The results also indicated that the effect size values were high across all studied variables, reflecting the magnitude of change achieved between the pre- and post-measurements. The researcher concludes that the HIFT program contributed effectively to developing the explosive power of the arms and legs, as well as the straight spike skill, among the sample members. The researcher recommends integrating HIFT exercises into the physical and skill preparation programs for volleyball players, while carefully regulating load intensity, work periods, and recovery intervals to match the players' athletic levels.