How the basics of the Libero Position work in Volleyball 🏐

Libero is a special, defensive position in volleyball. This video covers the basics on how it works. Each volleyball governing body has its own unique aspects, but we cover the general idea here. For more detail, look for the rule sets for your governing body (FIVB, USAV, NFHS, NCAA, etc.).
Topics not covered:
Libero Serving - Libero may serve for on ROTATION Position. For example, they can be the server in rotation 3 for a middle. Once they have served in rotation 3, they cannot serve in any other position or rotation. So, choose wisely ;-).
Libero attacking. The libero may not attack a ball that is entirely above the net.
Libero uniform requirements.
Multiple Liberos (USAV)
Replacement of Liberos (injury, disqualification)(
And I'm sure you'll think of something else!
Feel free to chime in, in the comments.

[@Renovated.]

I am currently a substitute Libero. This video really helped me alot thank you so much

[@coachsteveTV]

There is a list of topics related to Liberos that I omitted in the Video Description. Probably the most important is "When can a libero serve?" A Libero may serve for one ROTATION Position. For example, they can be the server in rotation 3 for a middle. Once they have served in rotation 3, they cannot serve in any other position or rotation. So, choose wisely ;-).

[@panagdimi]

Thank you coach Steve; even though you are an American you pronounce Libero the correct way. Kudos to you! Your players are privileged to have you!

[@coachsteveTV]

Thanks. I'll admit (only to you) that I sometimes use the "American" pronunciation. It's funny that a lot of coaches resort to "Bro". That might be to avoid pronouncing it in a way that would put others off (either Americans or the FIVB crowd). Good luck with your coaching and learning.

[@brazilsgirl]

This is a great video for kids just learning positions. Thank you so much! I've got two kids starting volleyball and this is super helpful for them visually.

[@coachsteveTV]

You're welcome, Ren. Many of my players are first time and I designed this for them. Sometimes they nod their heads in the gym, but are still a bit confused. Hopefully this helps them get comfortable with the basics. We can build from there.

[@molly_2068]

Thank you so much this helped me a lot as a libero

[@coachsteveTV]

Thank you for the comment, Molly. If you are a beginning player, make sure to work on all your skills. Sometimes liberos neglect attacking, blocking and setting. Be well rounded because you never know. I've had to have my libero play middle. They loved it and were ready to step up. Have fun and keep learning!

[@mauriceredbird9811]

Thanx muchissimo Coach Steve for pronouncing, "Lee bro" correctly :-)

[@coachsteveTV]

Thanks, Maurice. I can't say that I sometimes use the other pronunciation. But I think it's helpful to try. I appreciate the feedback. Hope the video was helpful.

[@Maxontop0]

thanks

[@sashankvv3207]

Very gud video

[@gordengibson1]

Could you explain if the libero is in LB and wants to stay in the game and rotate back to a server, how does that work?

[@coachsteveTV]

The libero can replace anyone in the back row. To change the person they replace, they must leave for one point/service. Except, they can stay in if they move to serve. They may only serve in the rotation where they first serve. I’ve described a more general situation than you asked about because a libero in, let’s say, middle back, could go back to serve, replacing another player. In your specific case, let’s say the libero is in for a middle and is in left back in rotation 2. When his team wins the serve, he must exchange with the middle he replaced. But he can immediately go in as the rotation 3 server and be exchanged with the other middle. He cannot serve in any other rotation. When his team goes to rotation 6, he would exchange with the middle for whom he came in to serve and play the back row. The long explanation is so you see that there are more ways for the libero to exchange than the typical middle replacement where the libero serves for one of the middles.

[@gordengibson1]

@@coachsteveTV Thanks for your reply. Okay, the reason I asked the question is that when a libero rotates to a server position from a back position, there is an exchange (substitution or replacement) between the Right Front player and another player from a team bench; however, when this happens the player from the team bench just comes in and the Right Front player just goes out of the court without touching hands or waiting for the R2 to tell the official's table to record the switch and get approval from the R2? In other words, it is similar to a libero replacing a player on the court. Is this the correct procedure?

[@coachsteveTV]

Hi Gordon. Here's a video that I put together to answer your question. BTW, touching hands is not required for substitution or exchanges, but it does encourage the other player, so it's all good. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3_KXpeVa5x7f9E

[@abeerock7195]

Can libro serve if it is so can he or she jump serve

[@coachsteveTV]

In the rule sets my teams have played under (USA Volleyball and National Federation of High Schools (USA)), yes, I libero can serve. I smiled when you asked about jump serving. Very logical question. The answer is yes and it’s the only time a libero can hit a ball the is completely above net height (if they can jump that high).

[@user-my2zs7vz2r]

Does the libero leave the court often?

[@coachsteveTV]

It depends on how the team chooses to use the position. The libero must leave when they rotate to the front row. The one exception is that, in one rotation, they may go back to serve. They can only serve in that rotation for the remainder of the set (game) or the non-libero player who would serve in that rotation could serve.

[@user-my2zs7vz2r]

@@coachsteveTV Thank you very much sir!

[@adamigosyt3506]

Can you please explain rotation using a volley game 🙏

[@coachsteveTV]

Check out my videos on the basics of volleyball rotation and the 6-2 offense. Those should help. If you have questions after that, let me know.

[@adamigosyt3506]

@@coachsteveTV sir can you give me the link 🔗

[@coachsteveTV]

@@adamigosyt3506 How Basic Volleyball Rotation Works kzbin.info/www/bejne/imTNY5yopLFjadE What is “Base” position in Volleyball kzbin.info/www/bejne/imTNY5yopLFjadE The Basics of the 6-2 Offense kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5OQnoOFm51na9E

[@adamigosyt3506]

@@coachsteveTV thanks sir ❤

[@ko1ox]

What all did you use?

[@coachsteveTV]

CoachNote+ for the graphic layout on an iPad. Used the iPad as an input to a live recording where I did the live explanation. Then loaded into a video editor (I think I used Screenflow for this one or maybe FCPX) and added the explanation bubbles. It's been a while. I've been working on live streams and podcasts more lately but might get back into the education videos soon.

[@blessedmother85]

Is this NFHS ?

[@coachsteveTV]

This explanation is applicable for USAV and NFHS in general. That's why there is no substitute for reviewing the rule book and any recent changes. NFHS only allows one Libero to be used. USAV allows you to have two Liberos with only one at a time on the court. That is not possible with NFHS. Also, keep in mind that any libero may only serve in one rotation. So if they serve in rotation 3 for your middle, they cannot serve in rotation 6 for your other middle. It's always good to dig in to the rules of your governing body and local modifications of any rules. (Just my way of saying YMMV). Hope this helps.

[@Vball_4life]

Can one libero serve twice in one rotation?

[@coachsteveTV]

Some of this depends on what rule set your are under (high school, USAV, FIVB and others). I'm in the US and under NFHS (high school) rules, a liber can serve in one rotation position only but can serve in that position as much as his coach wants him to. In USAV (at least the last time I looked), you are allowed two libbers and either of them can serve in the same one rotation position as many times as desired. Hope this answers your question.

[@pretentiousnerd7184]

liberos aren't allowed to serve though...

[@coachsteveTV]

Under FIVB rules that’s correct. Other rule sets like NCAA, USAV and NFHS allow liberos to serve. Always check your applicable rule set.

[@pretentiousnerd7184]

@@coachsteveTV ok ok (sorry im french so here ,liberos can't serve and i assumed it was the case everywhere )

[@coachsteveTV]

@@pretentiousnerd7184 Ça ne fait rien. That’s about all I remember from high school French. But you are right to point out that there are some differences depending on where you play.

[@wayrandom4765]

I don't understand. Can a libero serve?

[@coachsteveTV]

A libero can serve in one rotation. Think of it as there are six possible serving positions as all six servers progress around the court. The libero can serve in one of these six rotations. So, if they serve for one of the middle blockers, they can only serve in that position. If they substitute another middle blocker in that position, the libero can still serve in that position. But, they cannot serve for any other position in the rotation. If your team has two liberos, as is allowed in USAV play, those two liberos can serve but only in one rotation. I know that’s a little complicated but you'll understand it better as you play.

[@user-rx3un4le7q]

Yes. But he or she can only serve for 1 player during the set. Let's say the libero serves for # 2. That's the only person they can serve for during that set.

[@coachsteveTV]

Not quite. Let’s say the libero served for #2. Later, when #2 is in, I substitute #3 for #2. When #3 is the server, the libero can serve for #3. The serve is associated with the serving position or order, not with the individual player.

[@Marcv1285]

why the f* all these videos says that libero switch are done behind the 3 meter line. They are done in the "libero replacement zone", which is the sideline between the 3m line and the end line. Therefore a libero who enters by the end line (service line) is also wrong.

[@coachsteveTV]

Entering on the adjoining court is also not allowed. Thanks for the clarification.

[@Marcv1285]

2:40 Not everyone lives in the USA. You are the ONLY country on planet earth who allows the libero to serve, and even in the USA this doesn't apply to international event which are sanctioned by FIVB. When making a video for the whole world to see, it should be explained...

[@coachsteveTV]

You have done that. Thank you. Btw, KZbin does not provide a way to restrict videos geographically. I’m sorry if this offended you or inadvertently contradicted FIVB rules.

[@Marcv1285]

@@coachsteveTV not offended at all just wanna make you realised that it applies to only a minority of people, therefore would be best to explain who is your targeted audience.