Livin’ la vida Libero: A look at the role of the volleyball defensive specialist

August 30, 2006

This year the libero officially becomes part of high school volleyball across the nation.

The position has been part of Oregon High School Volleyball for awhile, but this will be the first year it is an official standardized position around the nation.

While it has been around for some time, the position remains somewhat of a mystery to many observers.

The libero is a back row player, meaning that the player is not allowed to participate in an attack. The only moves that the player may make are defensive and passing.

Introduced into the international game in 1998, the libero is typically a skilled ball handler who a team wants to get as many first touches of the ball as possible.

To enhance a team’s defensive capabilities, the libero is allowed as a replacement player, instead of a substitution.

The term libero means “free” in Italian, referring to the position’s ability to replace and to be replaced freely on the court. The libero may be put into the game in place of a weaker back row defender, but then must be replaced by the same player she came in for.

To differentiate the position from the other players on the floor, the libero must wear a different-colored jersey than her teammates.

For example, when a team is wearing light-colored uniforms the libero must wear a dark jersey, and vice-versa. When replaced in the game, the libero must remain out for at least one play before re-entering for another player.

According the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the institution of the libero is designed to help sustain long rallies, and be able to have quick defensive reactions to help snuff out an opponent’s attack.

While she may not be able to join in an attack with her teammates, the libero can nonetheless play an important role on the floor, much like a defensive stopper in basketball or a defensive substitution in baseball.

The libero is also expected to take a leadership role on the floor, as the player in the position is most likely an experienced ball handler, and knowledgeable about coordinating the team’s defense.

Information from “The Libero: Who, What and How for High School Coaches” by Phil Shoemaker was used in this article.