Analysis of the behavior of competitive activity in Cuban first‑category Volleyball

Abstract

In Cuban first‑category volleyball, a notably high competitive level is evident. However, coaches who graduated in Physical Culture often show deficiencies in interpreting the actions that actually occur during matches, which conditions the selection of drills that fail to replicate competitive scenarios and, consequently, reduces the positive impact on player performance. Hence, the analysis of competitive activity acquires special relevance not only for the coach, but also for the athlete and the student of the degree program, as it allows the structural logic of the game to be unraveled and its components to be transferred to daily training, adjusting them to the real demands of competition. The present study aimed to construct a model of competitive activity for the Cuban first category, one that would characterize the main game actions and serve as a practical guide for sport preparation. To this end, a methodological triangulation was employed: program documents and specialized literature were reviewed, systematic observations were carried out both in training sessions and in official matches, and questionnaires were administered to coaches. The findings revealed a marked mismatch between the drills used in sessions and the actual demands of the match. Likewise, the coaches themselves acknowledged the need to include exercises that reproduce essential game situations. The study reaffirms the importance of describing and modeling competitive activity as a foundation for training planning. In the same line, it points to the urgency of strengthening the preparation of coaches and players through programs that integrate real game actions as the core axis, all in keeping with current worldwide trends in volleyball.