libero

libero, player on an indoor volleyball team who serves primarily as a defensive specialist and is not allowed to rotate to the front line. The libero wears a different color jersey from the rest of the team and is thus easily recognizable. There are several other unique rules regarding the position. Notably, the libero is barred from completing an “attack hit”—which refers to hitting the ball strategically into the opponent’s court—if the ball is above the net at the time of contact. In competition sponsored by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), the sport’s governing body, the libero does not serve. However, other organizations, including the NCAA, allow the libero to serve under certain circumstances.

In addition, player replacements involving the libero do not count against the maximum number of substitutions allowed during a match. However, a libero can be replaced only by the person whom he or she originally replaced. Given that the libero’s specialty is defense, that player is typically the team’s best passer and is especially skilled at receiving serves. However, the libero is increasingly also used as a secondary setter when the primary setter receives the serve. In most competitions, teams may have two liberos on their rosters, although they are not required to use a libero. Those that do use the libero are allowed to have only one on the court at a time.

The position was created in 1998 as a way to increase the length of rallies, thereby making the sport more exciting and dynamic for players and spectators. It was introduced to Olympic competition at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, and it is now accepted by most volleyball governing bodies.