Cognitive and emotional factors as predictors of performance indicators in young volleyball players

In recent years, there has been much discussion about the need for using the key performance indicators, in order to guide training and consequently, competition. Some studies used the game action efficacy, the match result or the classification as a reference, while others used player’s or coach’s perception of performance. Thus, a predictive study with the aim to analyze several performance indicators in volleyball formative stages, was realized. The sample consisted of 164 players from all 16 teams (male and female) of an Under-16 volleyball league. Dependent variables: game action efficacy, classification and player’s perceived performance. Independent variables: procedural knowledge, decision-making, motivation and basic psychological needs. The results of the regression analysis showed that game action efficacy and classification were predicted only by cognitive variables (knowledge and decision-making), while players’ perceived performance was predicted by the basic need of relatedness. The different performance indicators appear to measure different realities, being predicted by different variables. Mixed methods could provide a better understanding of performance than a single analytic approach alone, combining descriptions from the inside and from the outside.