Effectiveness of game-based physical training on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in volleyball players aged 15-18 years: a randomized controlled trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/wgyhje81Keywords:
physical training, game-based training, endurance capacity, youth volleyball athletes, volleyball training methodsAbstract
Volleyball is an intermittent sport that requires both aerobic and anaerobic capacity; therefore, training approaches should match these physiological demands. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of game-based physical training on aerobic and anaerobic endurance in volleyball players aged 15-18 years. The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with a pretest-posttest format involving two groups. A total of 48 volleyball players aged 15-18 years (24 males and 24 females) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (game-based physical training) and a control group (conventional training). The intervention was conducted over 8 weeks (24 sessions) with an intensity of 65-85%. Aerobic endurance was measured using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1), while anaerobic endurance was assessed using the 10 × 20-meter Repeated Sprint Ability test with Total Sprint Time as the indicator. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The results showed a significant group effect on the combined posttest scores of aerobic and anaerobic capacity (p < 0.001; partial η² = 0.738). Univariate analysis revealed that the group significantly affected both posttest aerobic capacity (p < 0.001; partial η² = 0.508) and posttest anaerobic capacity (p < 0.001; partial η² = 0.687). Game-based physical training was more effective than conventional training in improving aerobic and anaerobic endurance in volleyball players aged 15-18 years. Future studies should employ more comprehensive designs, objective measurements, and longer intervention periods.
References
Afifah, M., Prabowo, T. A., Wijaya, F., Galeko, J. P., & Damai, A. I. A. (2025). The Effect of Circuit Bodyweight Training on Underhand Passing Ability in Volleyball Extracurricular Aged 12-14 Years. Sport-Mu: Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga, 6(2), 277-288. https://doi.org/10.32528/sport-mu.v6i2.4715
Albaladejo-Saura, M., Vaquero-Cristóbal, R., García-Roca, J. A., & Esparza-Ros, F. (2022). The Effect of Age, Biological Maturation and Birth Quartile in the Kinanthropometric and Physical Fitness Differences between Male and Female Adolescent Volleyball Players. Children, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/children9010058
Andriansyah, Sumaryanto, Ngatman, & Prabowo, T. A. (2025). Development of a game-based physical training model to improve motivation and smashing ability in volleyball athletes aged 15-18 years. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 29(5), 399-409. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2025.0503
Başandaç, G., Barğı, G., & Bayrakcı Tunay, V. (2025). Effectiveness of progressive core stabilization training on anaerobic performance in elite athletes: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01283-3
Bernadett, S. P., & Csaba, B. M. (2024). Examining normal distribution: which test to use? Statisztikai Szemle, 102(1), 5-37. https://doi.org/10.20311/stat2024.01.hu0005
Biçer, M. (2021). The effect of an eight-week strength training program supported with functional sports equipment on male volleyball players’ anaerobic and aerobic power. Science and Sports, 36(2), 137.e1-137.e9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2020.02.006
Bilici, Ö. F., & Topateş, T. K. (2025). Comparative effects of high intensity interval and functional training on performance outcomes in adolescent female volleyball players. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01476-w
de Oliveira Castro, H., Laporta, L., Lima, R. F., Clemente, F. M., Afonso, J., da Silva Aguiar, S., … De Conti Teixeira Costa, G. (2022). Small-sided games in volleyball: A systematic review of the state of the art. Biology of Sport. Institute of Sport. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.109960
Eryilmaz, S. K., & Kaynak, K. (2019). Relationship between repeated sprint ability and aerobic fitness in college volleyball players. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(5), 1198-1204. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070505
George, D., & Mallery, P. (2021). IBM SPSS Statistics 27 Step by Step. IBM SPSS Statistics 27 Step by Step. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003205333
Hazir, T., Isler, A. K., Kadioglu, M., & Unver, E. (2019). Reliability of Performance Outputs and Formulas Related with Fatigue Index in 10 x 20 m Repeated Sprint Test. Turkish Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(4), 267-275. https://doi.org/10.5152/tjsm.2019.141
Hopewell, S., Chan, A. W., Collins, G. S., Hróbjartsson, A., Moher, D., Schulz, K. F., … Boutron, I. (2025). CONSORT 2025 statement: Updated guideline for reporting randomised trials. BMJ, 389. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2024-081123
Kilic-Toprak, E., Yapici, A., Kilic-Erkek, O., Koklu, Y., Tekin, V., Alemdaroglu, U., & Bor-Kucukatay, M. (2015). Acute effects of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-YoIR1) on hemorheological parameters in female volleyball players. Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, 60(2), 191-199. https://doi.org/10.3233/CH-141844
Lesinski, M., Schmelcher, A., Herz, M., Puta, C., Gabriel, H., Arampatzis, A., … Granacher, U. (2020). Maturation-, age-, and sex-specific anthropometric and physical fitness percentiles of German elite young athletes. PLoS ONE, 15(8 August). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237423
Li, T., Xu, Q., Sarmento, H., Zhao, Y. X., Silva, R. M., & Clemente, F. M. (2024, January 1). Effects of small-sided games training programs on physiological and physical adaptations of youth basketball players: A systematic review. Science Progress. SAGE Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1177/00368504241231657
Li, T., Xu, Q., Wang, S., Qi, K., Su, P., Silva, R. M., … Clemente, F. M. (2023). Effects of recreational small-sided games from different team sports on the improvement of aerobic fitness in youth sedentary populations: A systematic review. Heliyon, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22041
Liu, Y., Zhang, F., Kong, S., Bezmylov, M., & Yan, E. (2026). Effects of Small-Sided Games Training on Physical Performance in Youth Team-Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 17, 1803471. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2026.1803471
Longakit, J., Aque, F. M., Toring-Aque, L., Lobo, J., Ayubi, N., Mamon, R., … Sanjaykumar, S. (2025). The effect of a 4-week plyometric training exercise on specific physical fitness components in U21 novice volleyball players. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 29(2), 86-95. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2025.0202
Matzka, M., Lenk, M., Meixner, B., & Sperlich, B. (2025, October 1). Meta-analysis of high-intensity interval training and alternative modalities for enhancing aerobic and anaerobic endurance in young athletes. Physiological Reports. American Physiological Society. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.70598
Mo, W., Saibon, J. Bin, LI, Y., Li, J., & He, Y. (2024). Effects of game-based physical education program on enjoyment in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18043-6
Munandar, I. F., Sukron, M., & Estu Prasetyo, D. (2023). The Effect of Aerobic Endurance Training towards the Physical Condition of Deltra Volleyball Athletes Blok D Sitiung II. TOFEDU: The Future of Education Journal, 2(3), 487-495. https://doi.org/10.61445/tofedu.v2i3.93
Negaresh, R., Al-Riyami, S. A. A., Paahoo, A., Hoseini, R., & Coso, J. Del. (2025). Effects of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Physical Performance and Skill Execution in Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Exercise Science. Western Kentucky University. https://doi.org/10.70252/FRCN1471
Oliveira, J. P., Marinho, D. A., Jacinto, P., Sampaio, T., & Morais, J. E. (2025). Characterization of physical performance and change of direction deficit across age groups in young female volleyball players. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01264-6
Panasc, M., Ferrando, V., Castagna, C., Apollaro, G., Ruggeri, P., & Faelli, E. L. (2026). Small-Sided Games vs . Running-Based High-Intensity Interval Training : An Exploratory Study of the Effects on Physical Performance and Internal Load in Under-11 Male Football Players. Sports, 14(3), 114. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14030114
Permana, H., Sukamti, E. R., Suhadi, S., Fauzi, F., & Prabowo, T. A. (2025). The impact of part-whole passing training on passing accuracy in volleyball athletes aged 10-14 years. Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports, 29(5), 410-418. https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2025.0504
Romero-García, D., Vaquero-Cristóbal, R., Albaladejo-Saura, M., Esparza-Ros, F., & Martínez-Sanz, J. M. (2023). Influence of Biological Maturation Status on Kinanthropometric Characteristics, Physical Fitness and Diet in Adolescent Male Handball Players. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 13(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053012
Rubiyatno, Supriatna, E., Suryadi, D., Haetami, M., & Firsta Yosika, G. (2023). Analysis Endurance Profile (Vo2max) of Women’s Volleyball Athletes: Yo-yo intermittent test level 1. Indonesian Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 3(1), 12-19. https://doi.org/10.52188/ijpess.v3i1.369
Sal-de-Rellán, A., Hernández-Suárez, Á., & Hernaiz-Sánchez, A. (2025). Gamification and motivation in adolescents. Systematic review from Physical Education. Frontiers in Psychology. Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1575104
Siquier-Coll, J., Delgado-García, G., Soto-Méndez, F., Liñán-González, A., García, R., & González-Fernández, F. T. (2024). The Effect of Caffeine Supplementation on Female Volleyball Players’ Performance and Wellness during a Regular Training Week. Nutrients, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010029
Tingelstad, L. M., Raastad, T., Myklebust, G., Gjerstad Andersen, T. E., Solstad, B. E., Bugten, J. B., & Luteberget, L. S. (2025). Age and Sex Differences in Physical Performance Among Adolescent Team Sport Athletes. European Journal of Sport Science, 25(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12284
Trajković, N., Pajek, M., Sporiš, G., Petrinović, L., & Bogataj, S. (2020). Reducing Aggression and Improving Physical Fitness in Adolescents Through an After-School Volleyball Program. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02081
Wang, S., Tang, J., Liu, S., Li, H., Li, Q., Pan, L., … Liu, C. (2025). Improving of 6 weeks of repeated sprint training on the aerobic and anaerobic power of college-age male rugby players. Frontiers in Physiology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1620197
Wei, C., An, J., & Zhou, L. (2025). The effects of 8 weeks of sprint interval training on repeated sprinting and specialized ability in college volleyball players. PLOS ONE, 20(7 July). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327561
Widowati, A., Decheline, G., Diana, F., Suhartini, S., & Anjanika, Y. (2025). Physical impact of volleyball matches on adolescent athletes: Insights into fatigue and recovery. Journal Sport Area, 10(1), 37-46. https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2025.vol10(1).19423
Wubale, A. A., Kebede, D. N., & Mengistie, A. B. (2023). Effects of Game-Based Training approach on physical abilities in male youth volleyball players. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 14(2), 206-219. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1256057
Wubale, A. A., Mengistie, A. B., & Kebede, D. N. (2025). Effects of game-based versus drill-based training on technical skills in U-17 male volleyball players. Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, 35(110), 24-32. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0054.8524
Zhang, Z., Xu, J., Ji, X., & Chen, R. (2025). The effects of small-sided games on physical fitness in basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01184-5
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Andriansyah, Sumaryanto, Ngatman, Trisnar Adi Prabowo (Autor/a)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The works published in this journal are subject to the following terms:
The author retains the economic rights (copyright) of the published works and grants the journal the right of first publication.
The works are published in the electronic edition of the journal under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–ShareAlike license. They may be copied, used, distributed, transmitted, and publicly displayed, provided that: (i) authorship and the original source of publication (journal, publisher, and URL of the work) are cited; (ii) they are not used for commercial purposes; (iii) the existence and specifications of this license are indicated.
![]()
Self-archiving conditions. Authors are permitted and encouraged to disseminate electronically the post-print versions (publisher’s version), as this facilitates earlier circulation and dissemination, potentially increasing citation and reach within the academic community. Authors may also deposit their articles in repositories and other platforms that support the dissemination of information, provided that the version used is the post-print (publisher’s version). RoMEO color: Blue.