While volleyball consists of six fundamental action complexes (K0-KV), most research has primarily focused on complexes I and II, often incorporating elements from other complexes. This focus can result in the oversight of specific actions in the less-studied complexes. Setting, a crucial skill in volleyball, is particularly under-researched, especially in relation to the attack coverage complex (KIV). This study aimed to analyse the types and spatiotemporal characteristics of setting actions within KIV, identify the most common and effective setting techniques, explore potential gender differences in setting performance, and assess the impact of setting quality on attack performance. The study sample included 48 matches (24 male, 24 female) from the 2022 World Championships. A total of 762 setting actions were recorded and analysed. Intra- and inter-rater reliability, assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient, was excellent (0.92 and 0.89, respectively). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to analyse the data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and data analysis was performed using SPSS v.29 and Statgraphics v5.1. The findings revealed that the overhead setting with a jump towards zones 2 and 4 was the predominant setting type observed. Additionally, setters exhibited a higher propensity for perfect sets to zones 3 and 4. Notably, male setters tended to utilise faster setting tempos to these zones, which correlated with a higher percentage of perfect sets than female setters. The overall ratio of excellent sets was significantly higher for male athletes (16.8%) than for female athletes (6.5%). This disparity was reflected in attack success rates, with male attackers converting 40.5% of attacks compared to 28.8% for female attackers. This study provides valuable insights into the nuances of setting within the attack coverage complex. By focusing on this understudied area, the research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of volleyball performance and offers practical implications for coaches and athletes. Future research may explore the impact of different setting techniques on specific attacking strategies and the role of advanced statistical analysis in evaluating setting performance.
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