About Volleyball Libero

Volleyball, much like any other sport, involves specialized athletes whose main job is to perform one specific function. Setters and outside hitters are the most prominent within volleyball. However, the libero (pronounced LEE-bah-ro), or defensive specialist, plays an important role in the game as well.

  1. Function

    • The libero serves as a designated back row player in the sport of volleyball. When compared with the other players on the court, the libero has the most specialized role in the game, mainly as a defensive player. The NCAA's official website states that the libero is "intended to be used as a ball-control specialist" (see Resources below), and, as such, the player is generally the best passer on the team. The libero does not, and in fact is not allowed to, hit the ball in an attacking fashion at any time. Simply put, the libero only passes the ball.

    History

    • The libero is a relatively new concept in the sport of volleyball, having been introduced to the international stage in 1998. The NCAA officially recognized the libero and adapted its rules as such in 2002.

    Features

    • There are several defining features of a libero, the most notable of which is the ability to sub in and out freely within a match. In a sanctioned game of indoor volleyball, teams are allowed a limited number of substitutions, but the subbing of a libero does not count against this number. The only restriction placed upon the libero's movement in and out of a game is the inability to replace a player in the front row. Additionally, a libero cannot block or attempt to block a hit, and is also not allowed to attack the ball.

    Identification

    • The libero is easily identified by the uniform that she wears throughout the match. According to the NCAA's website, "the color of the libero's uniform must contrast from the color of her teammates' uniforms" (see Resources). Thus, if a team is wearing blue uniforms but there is a single player with a red top on, this player is the libero. In general, most liberos are smaller, quicker players as well, but this is neither a requirement nor a certainty.

    Effects

    • The libero's play within a volleyball match has a significant impact on the game as a whole. As the libero is a defensive player, he can often dig up hits that would otherwise be unreachable, as well as complete passes with pinpoint accuracy to the team's setter. On the flip side, removing a back row attacker to insert a libero into the lineup can often have a diminishing effect on the team's ability to score points. On the whole, however, the positive results from a libero outweigh the negatives, thus leading to the libero's prevalence in modern, indoor volleyball.