The volleyball libero is a specialized position to help improve team serve receive and defense.
Volleyball Libero is a Specialized Position
On almost every level of organized volleyball, players are assigned rolls and have specific positions that they play. Players will have specific assignments for the front and back row. At the lowest level of play setters are designated in the front row. Positions include setters, outside hitters (right side or left side), middle hitters and libero’s.
The volleyball libero makes the game more exciting.
The libero position was first introduced in international play to make the game more exciting, helping create longer rallies.
The libero position allows for a great defensive player to get more court action.
The position of libero is becoming more and more critical to a teams performance and has definitely elevated the importance of the defensive specialist and their skills. It also allows more participation opportunities by giving seven rather than six players court-time.
Libero Passing
Rules for the Libero
The rules for the libero are different than other players.
For one thing, the libero wears a different colored jersey than the rest of the team. This is so the referee can more easily identify which player is the libero.
The referee needs to know which player is libero because the libero has different rules.
- The volleyball libero can’t be in the game on the front row at any time.
- The libero can replace any back row player, except the server, without it counting against the teams allotted number of substitutions.
- The libero enters and exits through the sideline between the ten-foot line and the end line.
- The libero isn’t allowed to hit, block, serve or set overhand in front of the ten-foot line.
- Some organizations allow the libero to serve. NCAA and NFHS rules allow the libero to serve in one rotation. In FIVB and USAV competition the libero isn’t allowed to serve.
Role of the Libero
- The volleyball libero must be mentally tough. This position often has high stress because you essentially can’t sub in another libero. It’s hard to find someone who has all these qualities so your selection of the libero will be based on which skills are most beneficial for your situation.
- The libero is often the spark plug of the team. The libero must come off bench with lots of confidence and energy and maintain this throughout the match.
- The libero is often the leader of the back row, being communicative, being aggressive to pass the majority of balls on serve reception and go after balls on defense.
Tactics of the Libero
In serve receive, the libero should be lined up to take most of the balls.
For defense, the libero usually plays left back. This allows the outside attacker to play middle back and hit out of the back row from the middle of the court.
Another option is for the libero to play middle back defense. This gives the libero more freedom to move around and cover holes in the block.
The libero should feel comfortable playing any position in the back row.
The libero usually replaces middle blockers in the back row.
The volleyball libero should take the place of a player who has difficulty passing, playing defense or who cannot hit out of the back row. A great middle blocker with good ball control skills should not automatically be taken out of the back row especially if he/ she can score points attacking.
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