The Libero Position – Revealing Some Great Liberos

The libero position seems not to be very prominent, but it plays an extremely important role in protecting the “home net” and creating a foundation for effective attacks. So, what is libero? Why is libero considered the “secret weapon” of the team? Let’s explore interesting things about this special position with VIPPH in the following article.

Definition of libero in volleyball

Libero (Italian for “freedom”) is a specialized defensive position in volleyball. Libero is considered the “secret weapon” of the team, helping to improve defense and support the attack. Libero is not allowed to attack when the ball is completely on the edge of the net. The main role of a libero is to receive the first step, pass the second, defend, and save the ball.

In volleyball, “libero” is a special position in a team’s formation. The player who plays the role of libero plays an important role in the defense and in initiating the team’s attack. The libero position is often chosen based on excellent defensive ability, quick reading of situations, and good ball receiving skills.

Some regulations on the libero position

To better understand the libero position, we will introduce the general regulations in this position.

Number of liberos and libero substitution regulations

According to modern volleyball rules, each team is only allowed to register one or two liberos in the competition list. However, only one libero is allowed to play on the field at a time. In each match, the libero can be substituted and play on the field an unlimited number of times in a match. When a libero enters the field, they must have the consent of the first referee.

Libero shirt color

According to modern volleyball rules, the libero must wear a shirt of a different color from the remaining players on the field for easy identification. The libero shirt color must be opposite to the shirt color of all other players on the team, including teammates and the opposing team.

Actions the libero is not allowed to perform

The libero position in volleyball has some restrictions on the actions that this player is not allowed to perform. Here are some actions that the libero is not allowed to perform:

1. Attacking: The libero is not allowed to attack the ball from the position before the center line. This attacking position usually belongs to the forward, right/left wing, or center positions.
2. Blocking: The libero is not allowed to participate in blocking actions from the position before the center line. Blocking is usually the responsibility of the center positions and other attacking positions.
3. Serving: The libero is not allowed to serve for his team. Serving duties usually belong to other positions, such as the forward, right/left wing, or attacker.

Some Famous Liberos in Professional Volleyball

Jennifer “Jenny” Glass (USA)

Jenny Glass is an American libero. She has played for the US National Team and many top club teams around the world. She has won many notable awards in her career, including the 2014 Olympic gold medal and the 2011 World Grand Prix silver medal. Jenny Glass is also known for her excellent defense and accurate passing.

Jenia Grebennikov (France)

Jenia Grebennikov is a French libero. He has played for the French National Team, top clubs such as Lube Volley (Italy) and Zenit Kazan (Russia). Grebennikov is one of the most talented liberos in the world and is known for his superb defense, speed, and excellent passing technique. He has won many individual awards and notable achievements in his career.

Sergio Santos (Brazil)

Sergio Santos, also known as Serginho, is a Brazilian volleyball player. He plays as a defender and setter. Serginho has had an incredible career with the Brazilian National Team and Sesi-SP. He has won many important titles, including 3 Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2016), 4 World Cups, and 8 World Leagues. Serginho is known for his excellent defense and fighting spirit.