Enabling upper limb disability athletes to excel in sitting volleyball

Despite the inherent challenges posed by upper limb disabilities in sitting volleyball, Slovenia’s team has defied expectations, currently ranking sixth in the world standings.

Their remarkable journey to the top of the world rankings is a testament to the dedication and expertise of coach Simon Bozic and his athletes.

As they continue to strive for excellence, the Slovenian team finds itself on the cusp of a significant milestone, competing at the 2024 WPV Final Paralympics Qualifier in Dali, China. With their eyes set on securing their spot on the Paralympic stage, coach Bozic and his players are poised to showcase their talents.

Bozic’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the principle of adaptation, understanding the unique challenges faced by athletes with upper limb disabilities or amputations and tailor-fitting his training drills and strategies accordingly.

“Similarly, as in able-bodied volleyball, I also adjust exercises in sitting volleyball according to the skills and knowledge of the players,” he explained.

“The main difference is that I ensure that the exercises are adapted to the specific characteristics of individuals, which are associated with their type of disability.”

For him, skill development is a meticulous process that demands attention to detail. He employs specialised techniques to enhance the abilities of players with upper limb disabilities, ensuring that each exercise is tailored to their specific needs.

“I use the exercises to improve the technique from able-bodied volleyball, but I adapt them so that they are suitable for performing in a sitting position,” he said.

One of the key challenges in sitting volleyball lies in adapting traditional techniques to accommodate players with upper limb impairments, and this is where Bozic navigates this challenge with ingenuity and insight.

“When it comes to blocking, we are aware that it is more difficult to control, especially for players who wear prostheses,” he acknowledges.

His approach extends to every aspect of the game, including setting skills and serving abilities. He emphasises individualised training methods that enable each player to discover their strengths and refine their techniques.

“We have four players with upper limb…