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Volleyball Libero
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. They are the defensive leader and never rotate to the front row. Though libero is Italian for "free", the libero has some limitations: they are not allowed to attack the ball from the front row above the net 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.
Table of Contents
Goals and Job
Players are transitioning from offense to defense as the ball goes from side to side, so the goals of the libero shift as well.
Offensive Goals
When on offense, the libero's jobs are:
- To keep the ball alive and create scoring opportunities
- To pass the ball to other players
- To act as a backup setter if the setter passes the first ball
Defensive Goals
When on defense, the Libero's jobs are:
- To keep plays alive
- To chase down the ball
- To dig the ball
- To read the opposite teams hitters
Key Libero Statistics
- assists
- digs
What Can't A Libero Do?
The libero CANNOT:
- Serve for two different players
- Attack at the height of the net
- Block
- Play in the front row
How Can Teams Use The Libero?
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 in volleyball will be used by the libero.