The impact of pendular model on decision-making and tactical-technical performance of U18 male volleyball players

This study aimed to verify the influence of applying the Pendular Model of Tactical-Technical Training (Pendular Model) on decision-making and tactical-technical performance of U18 male volleyball athletes. A total of 44 U18 volleyball athletes participated in the study, divided into two groups: experimental group ( n = 23) and control group ( n = 21). The Declarative Tactical Knowledge Test in Volleyball was used for the decision-making analysis, while the Instrument for Technical-Tactical Performance Assessment in Volleyball was used for the specific tactical-technical performance components level analysis in the game. Experimental group athletes performed 24 training sessions using the Pendular Model, and control group athletes maintained 24 sessions of regular training. There was a significant difference in decision-making in the extremity attack and setting situations, being better in the experimental group than the control group in the pre and postintervention moments. There were significant differences in the adjustment, decision-making, and effectiveness components in athletes’ tactical-technical performance in game situations, being greater in the experimental group compared to the control group in the moments after 12 sessions and postintervention. It is concluded that the Pendular Model proved to be effective for improving decision-making in extremity attack and setting video situations and in the tactical-technical performance in the game in the adjustment, decision-making, and effectiveness components for male U18 volleyball athletes.