Spatial Kinesthetic Perception and Its Relationship with the Accuracy Level of Overhead Serve Skill in Volleyball

This study aimed to explore the relationship between spatial and kinesthetic
perception and the accuracy level of the overhead serve skill in volleyball.
Conducted as a cross-sectional study with a descriptive correlational design, it
included a sample of 10 players (5 males and 5 females) from the Arab American
University volleyball team, all students at the Faculty of Sports Sciences.
Horizontal and vertical spatial and kinesthetic perception was measured using
standardized tests and an overhead serve accuracy test.
Results indicated no significant differences between males and females in
horizontal spatial kinesthetic perception (males' mean: 34.00, standard deviation:
13.54; females' mean: 37.60, standard deviation: 12.93; t-value: -0.430, p-value:
0.679) and vertical perception (males' mean: 24.20, standard deviation: 6.458;
females' mean: 32.80, standard deviation: 13.91; t-value: 1.253, p-value: 0.245).
However, significant differences in overhead serve accuracy were observed
favoring males (males' mean: 6.20, standard deviation: 0.837; females' mean: 3.20,
standard deviation: 1.095; t-value: 4.867, p-value: 0.001).
The study also found a weak negative correlation between horizontal spatial,
kinesthetic perception and serve accuracy (correlation coefficient: -0.162, table
value: 0.632) and a moderate negative correlation between vertical perception and
serve accuracy (correlation coefficient: -0.524, table value: 0.632). These findings
suggest that spatial and kinesthetic perception is not the sole factor influencing
service accuracy, with physical and training factors playing a more substantial role.
Intensive and well-designed training can enhance kinesthetic perception and sports
performance.