Development of the Cognitive and Strength Power Training Program to Improve Attacking Ability for Volleyball Players

Background and Aim: The study assessed how cognitive and strength power training impacts attacking ability in high school volleyball players, demonstrating significant improvements. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop the cognitive and strength power training on attacking ability for volleyball players. (2) Compare the effects of the cognitive and strength power training on attacking ability between the experimental and control groups. (3) Compare the effects of the cognitive and strength power training on attacking ability within the experimental group between posttest, midtest, and pretest. Materials and Methods: This study was quasi-experimental, with thirty volleyball players divided into two groups based on their attacking ability, 15 in each. The experimental group participated in a cognitive and strength power training program, whereas the control group received regular training. The data gathering process comprised pretests, midtests, and posttests to examine attacking ability, cognitive ability, and fitness. The data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA repeated measurement, and paired post hoc with Bonferroni (*p<.05). Results: The results showed that (1) the combination of cognitive and strength power training to improve volleyball players' attacking abilities had content validity (IOC=0.92), and the tryout results indicated that the exercise drill, intensity, and time for recovery were appropriate. (2) The experimental group had substantially higher post-test scores in Attacking of Position 2 (8.53±0.64) and Position 4 (8.33±0.49) than the control group. Targeted training interventions appear to be helpful for skill development (*p<.05). (3) Within-experimental group comparisons demonstrated considerable gains in attacking ability, with ratings for Attacking Position 2 and Position 4 increasing significantly. Fitness tests indicated considerable increases in push-ups and vertical jumps, with moderate improvement in sit-ups, indicating varying training effectiveness (*p<.05). Conclusion: Combining cognitive and strength power training significantly improved high school volleyball players' attacking ability. The experimental group showed notable enhancements, especially in positions 2 and 4. This holistic approach improved decision-making, reaction times, and physical fitness, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated training methods.