The libero is a very important defensive player that substitutes for another player in the back row (usually the middle blocker/hitter). They're marked by their different colored jerseys and must be the designated libero for that game. The libero can exit and enter without substitution requests. He is the defensive leader and never rotates to the front row. Though libero is Italian for "free", the libero has some limitations: he is not allowed to attack the ball above the net, set for an attacker from front court, serve, or block.
There are usually two on the team roster, but only one is allowed on the court at a time. The libero on the court is known as the acting libero, the other is the second libero.
Players are transitioning from offense to defense as the ball goes from side to side, so the goals of the libero shift as well.
When on offense, the Libero's jobs are:
Defensive Goals
When on defense, the Libero's jobs are:
Key Statistics
2017-2018 Team USA Liberos
The libero CAN NOT:
Each team has to choose a player to be the first and second libero for the rest of the game. Teams are not allowed to switch liberos during a game.
The main role of the libero is to keep the ball in play. This means diving, rolling, and doing whatever is necessary to make a save. Most of the defensive moves we discussed will be used by the libero.