Neuromuscular Characteristics Differ Between Elite, Subelite, and Amateur Female Volleyball Players

ABSTRACT: López-Samanes, Á, Pérez-López, A, Martín-López, J, Montalvo-Alonso, JJ, Muñoz, A, Conejero, M, Sánchez-Jorge, S, -Moreno-Pérez, D, Quintana-Milla, I, and Scanlan, A. Neuromuscular characteristics differ between elite, subelite, and amateur female volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Adequate neuromuscular development is crucial for female volleyball players to optimally execute game-related tasks; however, neuromuscular differences between playing levels remain underexplored within this population. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare neuromuscular characteristics between elite, subelite, and amateur female volleyball players. Sixty-one female players (22.9 ± 5.4 years) participating in the first-national (elite), second (subelite), and third and fourth (amateur) Spanish Volleyball Divisions took part in this study. Subjects underwent a neuromuscular testing battery consisting of standing spike, jumping spike, countermovement jump, squat jump, maximal spike jump, isometric handgrip, modified agility t test, and star excursion balance assessments. Regarding neuromuscular performance, elite, female volleyball players had faster standing and jumping spike velocities than subelite and amateur players (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.31-0.36), higher maximal spike jump height than amateur players (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.31), and a stronger isometric handgrip than subelite (both sides) and amateur (only nondominant side) players (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.17-0.23). Moreover, subelite players had quicker modified agility t test performance than amateur players (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.21). For dynamic balance, elite players exhibited superior posteromedial and posterolateral performance (both sides) than amateur players (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.26-0.31), whereas subelite players had better anterior performance (both sides) than amateur players (p = 0.002-0.04; ηp2 = 0.17-0.20). Elite female volleyball players were characterized as possessing superior hitting velocities, lower-body strength/power, isometric strength, and dynamic balance than lower-level players. In contrast, subelite players differentiated from amateur players with faster change-of-direction speed, greater strength, and better dynamic balance. These novel data may help inform the development of targeted training, assessment, and player identification strategies according to playing level in practice among female volleyball teams.