EFFECTS OF GAME-BASED VERSUS DRILL-BASED TRAINING ON TECHNICAL SKILLS IN U-17 MALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Background: Despite much evidence showing the effects of game-based and drill-based training methods in team sports, there have been no discussions about which training method is more effective in young male volleyball players. The present study aimed to compare the effects of game-based versus drill-based training methods on the technical skills of young male volleyball players. Methods: The study used an experimental control group design. During the 2022–2023 practice period, 40 young male volleyball players trained in Injibara, Ethiopia. The athletes were 15 and 16 years old. The selection method used was a census approach. Subsequently, all 40 players were randomly assigned to game-based or drill-based training groups. Standard volleyball skill tests (Russell & Lange test for serving and spiking and the Byra Mark test for passing and setting competence) were used to collect the data. The study used descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (paired and independent t-tests) to analyze the data. Normality (Shapiro-Wilk test) and variance homogeneity (Levine’s test) were verified to ensure robust interpretations. Results: The study found that 12 weeks of game-based training led to significant improvements in serving, passing, setting, and spiking skills compared to drill-based training (p < .05). Conclusions: Young male volleyball players who participated in game-based training had higher scores in volleyball technical skills than those from drill-based training groups.