Predicting the ability to execute a high-power spike from position 6 based on the thinking style of volleyball players aged 16–18

Abstract

The research aimed to identify the relationship between thinking style and the high smash skill from position (6) and to identify the percentage of contribution of thinking style to the performance of this skill as well as to construct an equation to predict the level of performance of the high smash skill from position (6) in terms of thinking style among volleyball players aged (15-16) years. The researcher adopted the descriptive approach with the method of correlational and predictive studies to suit the nature of the research and its objectives. The research sample include of (30) volleyball players aged (15-16) years and they were chosen purposively. To collect the data the researcher used the thinking style scale and the high smash skill test from position (6) after make sure that availability of the scientific conditions for the two instruments in terms of validity, reliability and objectivity. The pilot experiment was carried out on 1/15/2026 on a sample consisting of (6) players from the Industry Club while the main experiment was carried out during the two days of 2/12-13/2026 where the first day was allocated to implementing the high smash skill test from position (6) and the second day to applying the thinking style scale. The data were statistically processed utilizing the SPSS statistical software and suitable statistical methods were used, including the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, skewness coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient, simple linear regression, coefficient of determination t-test and F-test. The results demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between thinking style and the high smash skill from position (6). It also presented that thinking style contributes (58.4%) to explaining the variation in the level of performance of this skill. A linear regression equation was built to predict the level of performance of the high smash skill from position (6) in terms of thinking style. The researcher concluded that the thinking style is one of the important variables related to the level of performance of the high smashing skill from position (6) and that it can be relied upon in predicting the level of skill performance of volleyball players aged (15-16) years. The researcher recommended utilizing the prediction equation in sports evaluation and selection processes and paying attention to improving the thinking style through training programs and conducting similar studies on other skills and several age groups.