Introduction: Block defense is a critical skill in volleyball requiring rapid decision-making, muscular power, and postural control. Landing mechanics play a pivotal role in both performance and injury risk, particularly for the ankle and knee. The Center of Pressure (CoP) is a sensitive indicator of postural stability during such movements. This study aimed to examine how different jump and landing types during block defense affect CoP parameters in professional volleyball players.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical design was employed. Twenty male volleyball players were recruited through purposive sampling, including 10 professionals and 10 amateurs. Participants performed five block defense tasks: stationary jump, right step jump, left step jump, long right step jump, and long left step jump. Each task was repeated five times. CoP data were collected using a force plate and analyzed with Nexus 1.8.2 software. Variables included anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) displacement of CoP, velocity of CoP movement, and root mean square (RMS) of CoP path. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Statistically significant effects were observed for jump type on CoP displacement, velocity, and variability (p < 0.05). Long lateral jumps, especially toward the non-dominant side, showed the highest CoP displacement and velocity, indicating greater instability. Professional athletes demonstrated superior postural control with lower CoP fluctuations and faster recovery times compared to amateurs.

Discussion: The findings underscore the biomechanical demands of lateral and asymmetric jumps during block defense. Movements toward the non-dominant side were associated with decreased stability, potentially increasing injury risk. Professional athletes displayed more effective neuromuscular strategies to maintain balance, likely due to superior technique and conditioning.

Conclusion: Different types of block jumps significantly influence postural stability metrics. Training programs should incorporate targeted exercises to improve balance during lateral and non-dominant direction movements. Emphasis on landing mechanics and CoP control may enhance performance and reduce injury risk in volleyball.