Background Although it is known that determining the external loads during matches and training is essential for coaches to understand game demands, optimize and specify players` performance, or avoid overtraining or overload scenarios, it has been observed that the pre-match warm-up external load is neglected. The aims of this study were (i) assess the pre-match warm-up external load for female volleyball players and (ii) compare this load by player position. Methods External loads (total distance, jump count, acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), ACCmax, DECmax, ACC/min, speedmax, metabolic load) of fourteen elite female volleyball players during pre-match warm-up were monitored with Local Positioning System (LPS) for a season and separated according to player positions (libero (L), outside hitter (OH), opposite (OPP), middle blocker (MB), setter (S)). Results Elite female volleyball players performed 888.1-1078.5 m total distance, 15.9-85.3 jumps (excluding L: 7.6 jumps), 18.5-31.8 ACC and 10.4-28.2 DEC counts, 13.1-15.3 m.sec- 1 speedmax and 214.2-406.0 m metabolic load during the pre-match warm-up. While S had significantly higher total distance, jump count, ACC and DEC count, ACCmax, ACC/min and speedmax (Eta2: large, p < .001), OH and OPP had the highest metabolic load (Eta2: large, p < .001). L had significantly higher ACCmax and DECmax, speedmax data accompanied by significantly lower total distance, ACC count and metabolic load (Eta2: large, p < .001). Conclusion External load metrics during pre-match warm-up in female volleyball players showed clear positional differences. These findings highlight the need for coaches and strength and conditioning professionals to design role-specific warm-up strategies that reflect the physical demands of each position. By tailoring pre-match preparation in this way, practitioners may better optimize readiness, reduce the risk of fatigue or overload, and improve subsequent match performance.
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