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For a given speed and angle of release, the greater the height of release the greater the distance gained.
When serving overhead in volleyball a taller athlete has an advantage over a shorter athlete because they have a higher height of release. The taller athlete is able to get over the ball and have a lower angle of release in comparison to a shorter athlete. An athlete will attempt to jump serve as this gets them in a position above the net and in turn means that they can execute a negative angle of release making it difficult for the opposition to return the ball.
'Increasing the height of release improves the horizontal distance objects can be projected through the air... Achieving maximum height of release usually involves creating long levers by straightening body segments involved in releasing the projectile.' (Martin, 2006).
For any given speed of release, the optimum angle of release is always 45 degrees when trying to achieve maximum distance.
The angle of release varies according to the activity being performed. For example, blocking a volleyball 90 degrees, throwing a discus 45 degrees, volleyball spike -45 degrees...
'Sports in which distance is important have a lower angle or release. Sports in which height or flight time is important have a higher angle of release.' (Lineham, 2005).
If the angle of release is too high for the activity poor distance will be achieved. If the given angle of release is too low for the activity poor flight time and possibly poor distance will be achieved.
Any object released into the air is deemed a projectile. A projectile can be an implement such as a javelin or a ball or a human body when diving or performing a long jump.
A projectile consists of a vertical and horizontal component.
The vertical component gives a projectile height; gravity acts upon a projectile affecting the height that a projectile can reach.
The horizontal component gives a projectile distance; air resistance acts upon a projectile affecting the distance a projectile can reach.
'Spin is created by applying force away from an object's centre of gravity. The further away from the centre of gravity a force is applied, the more the object will spin.' (Martin, 2006).
Spin gives a projectile stability when in the air. Spin will determine how an object will move in the air and upon contact with the ground. For example, a topspin serve in volleyball causes the ball to dip. This is because there is a region of high pressure above the ball and low pressure below the ball. Air moves from high to low pressure, causing the ball to dip. (Watch the YouTube video to refer to the flight path of a topspin volleyball serve.)
The greater the speed of release, the greater the distance gained. 'A projectile's speed of release is largely determined by muscle force and leverage a body possesses.' (Martin, 2006)
A high initial vertical velocity will result in a longer flight time due to creating more height.
A high initial horizontal velocity will result in a longer flight time and good distance.