The libero is a player on an indoor volleyball team who serves primarily as a defensive specialist and is not allowed to rotate to the front line. 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. 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.
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