The Importance of the Libero in Volleyball
The Importance of the Libero in Volleyball
The position known as the “Libero” is one that you can’t miss when watching a volleyball match. It makes sense for people watching a volleyball game for the first time to wonder why someone on the court is wearing a different shirt from the rest of the team. That person is known as the “libero”, but what exactly does this position mean and what are they responsible for on the volleyball court?
Relentless Volleyball Club helps break down this position and what it means to play in this position.
Rules of the Libero
The libero is a strictly defensive position that is found in the back row of a team’s layout. The libero can also only be replaced by the person that originally replaces them during the match.
More often than not, the libero is not seen as a starter. The libero will often take the position of a certain player before the game starts and that person is the only person that can replace the libero during the match. Liberos cannot complete a hit that is meant as an “attack”.
Role of the Libero
Due to the rules set for the libero, this position is essentially seen as the best defensive player on the team and is the safety blanket for the team if they can’t save an attack. This position isn’t required and the role of defensive specialist doesn’t have any actual rules attached to it.
So why would a team need a libero at all?
Using college volleyball as an example, coaches are only allowed 15 substitutions per set. Most substitutions will happen when a hitter is substituted for a defensive player who has made their way to the front of the row.
Most of the time, liberos are used in the rotation for middle blockers on the team. When someone from the middle rotates to the back row and the other middle player will enter the match for the libero.
Why Being a Libero is Important
The libero is often on the court for a majority of the match, much longer than any other position. It’s important that the person playing the libero is also playing the role of a great team player and leader. Libero needs to control the atmosphere and the energy during the match in order to keep a team’s morale high. An expressive libero will be able to see what a team’s strengths and weaknesses are and explain them to their teammates. This is a vital position for any volleyball team.
The libero should also encourage a team’s successes. Although this position can’t jump above the net and attack the ball, they should still display great energy when one of their teammate’s scores. Essentially, you want to be the player that everyone would pick to be on their team.
Get Real Volleyball Experience with RVC
While the libero is an important position in volleyball, at RVC we recognize every position as equally important to winning and improving. If you’ve been looking for a place to grow as a player, then RVC is here for you. We have an elite team of coaches and training programs that will bring you to the next level. Visit our contact page today if you have any questions or you’re ready to get started!
