An Analysis of the Relationship Between Arm Muscle Strength and Open Smash Ability in Volleyball Among Members of the Student Activity Unit at Makassar State University

Abstract

Objectives. This study aims to determine the relationship between arm muscle strength and open smash ability among members of the Volleyball Student Activity Unit at Makassar State University. The research seeks to explore how physical strength, specifically arm muscle strength, contributes to performance in executing an open smash in volleyball.

Materials and Methods. This study used a quantitative approach with a correlational design. The subjects were 20 members of the Volleyball Student Activity Unit at Makassar State University. Data collection was conducted through physical tests: arm muscle strength was measured using a spring scale (in kilograms), which had been previously validated through content validity and had a reliability score of 0.92. Open smash ability was assessed using a standardized volleyball smash test, where participants were evaluated based on 10 smash attempts. Data were analyzed using simple regression and correlation techniques, preceded by normality and linearity tests.

Results. The findings show that there is no significant relationship between arm muscle strength and open smash ability. The correlation coefficient obtained was r = 0.160, which is lower than the critical r-value of 0.337. Despite the absence of a significant correlation, arm muscle strength was found to contribute 2.5% to open smash performance.

Conclusions. The study concludes that arm muscle strength alone does not significantly influence open smash ability in volleyball. However, it does make a minor contribution, indicating that other factors may play a more dominant role. Further research is recommended to investigate additional variables that affect open smash performance.