What Is A Libero In Volleyball? | Libero Basics Explained

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Are you a new volleyball coach? Are you here because you want to answer, "what does a libero do?"
Or maybe you want to know why do liberos wear a different color uniform? Can liberos serve the ball? When do liberos go in? Am I even pronouncing libero right?
I answer these questions (and more!) if you need help understanding how the libero position works. There are even MORE rules regarding how libero can (and cannot) be used, and I simplify some of the more complicated rules in this video. If you'd like further explanation, let me know and I can make another video!
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#libero #volleyballcoach #getthepancake

[@jbeezg]

I can’t believe anime inspired me to do volleyball. Edit: yes I’m talking about haikyuu. Lol

[@chocolatemuffin9865]

Haikyuu!!!????

[@jviivs720]

Haikyu is the anime that inspired me...haikyu is the reason i am always searching up volleyball stuff

[@rattwins1167]

Yup im pretty sure were all here bc of haikyuu

[@sums7353]

Same😗✌️

[@marawillmann3119]

Same 😭😂

[@tatyanat5923]

nishinoya inspired me to become a libero😭

[@doq4335]

Itz Tatyana Lashay me too 🥺

[@nutella6726]

Itz Tatyana Lashay I thought i was da only one XD

[@dyanarauda6048]

same

[@thanh-sangnguyen8006]

If only there’s boy volleyball in the U.S 😭😭😭... I play tennis instead

[@tatyanat5923]

Thanh-Sang Nguyen there is volleyball here for boys 😭

[@cowmoo295]

I'm trying to be a nishinoya 😭

[@strawberrylyss]

SAME AHAH

[@Boulacouf]

Same

[@rattwins1167]

OMG SAMEEE!!!

[@tatyanat5923]

exactlyyy 😭

[@doq4335]

hm yuk SAme 😪

[@mortuary-marcy]

an anime did what every pe teacher i’ve ever had failed to do

[@akkok5059]

ikr lmaoo i think it made me found the sport I acc wanna play

[@jolantaskrzyszewska8159]

ROLLLINNNGGG THUNNNDAAAAA

[@anaklusmossssssss4612]

PERIODTTT {my husbando}

[@strawberrymiik8295]

Jolanta Skrzyszewska YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@jayhope3357]

This is why I’m here 😂

[@janessas_world18]

YESSSSSSSIRRRRRRRRRR 🤣🤣🤣

[@kaitlyndrussell9994]

I’ve always been a shorter player and just dreamed of being a libero. I wish my coaches took it more seriously because I never got the chance

[@gabebland983]

Kaitlynd Russell what do you play

[@aaendrw]

you don't understand how much I relate to you rn..

[@kaitlyndrussell9994]

Dolo Gabe sorry for the late reply but I don’t play it anymore. I switched to softball

[@sheria447]

Kaitlynd Russell Aww that sucks but if you feel better doing softball it’s fine. What position did you use to play? Or did your coach kept you at the bench??

[@hawaaqilah659]

ROLINGU THUNDAAAA

[@daggergames7800]

ROLLING THUNDER If you know you know

[@mrs.Hedgehog01]

noya senpai...

[@lei354]

Noya-san

[@theambitiousduck]

Dude doing a rolling thunder on accident h u r t s

[@reneew9888]

NISHINOYA BABY

[@grace-ml7xp]

YESS

[@albertomiguel9657]

ROoooooooLing Thunder

[@sm0llqueen289]

No one can comment on this without mentioning haikyuu or neishinoya But I did become a libero bc of that anime

[@kassidymanning71]

i came here after my school season ended, my coach told me i’d be a great libero. i haven’t learned a lot about libero’s so this helped a lottt

[@lulaa5595]

I really want to tryout for my volleyball team next year bc of haikyu, it’s a really good show and it inspired me to learn it. I really want to be a Libero even tho I’m pretty tall but I been watching so many volleyball videos

[@astruosa9709]

Omg SAME HEREE

[@breannahbraedon1553]

SAME

[@lulaa5595]

Silka 0u0 lets all be friends

[@astruosa9709]

@@lulaa5595 let's make a team togheter

[@lulaa5595]

Silka 0u0 yesss

[@KINGTEOGTHE]

im a libero on my team and know what am doing, but like to watch these kinds of videos, thx for the info

[@Boulacouf]

King Teotl you could just watch hailyuu(it’s a volleyball anime) it doesn’t help and does help at the same time

[@ju-hk8ml]

im short so i got no choice and i cant jump like hinata

[@minaashido6140]

Lol I can uwu

[@emalynnharbaugh468]

MORE LIBERO VIDS PLEASE!!!!

[@iamconfused1997]

I HAVE GOTTEN INTO THIS STUFF BECAUSE OF AN ANIME

[@rainn-mv4gc]

SAME

[@Anawat89]

BRO YES

[@T0mahawkCRAZY]

Just waiting for haikyuu to come back in october lol

[@nobodiezz]

i started v ball a while before i watch haikyuu, but now i watch it frequently xD

[@T0mahawkCRAZY]

@@nobodiezz Yeah I did intramurals before I watched it, but now I actually have some drive haha

[@patrickbohn5235]

I feel mildly sorry for this poor actual volleyball player/coach whos comment section is now like 50% Haikyu. Good anime tho. Would recommend

[@GetThePancake]

Haha, I don't mind :) Honestly, it makes me laugh every time I see a new one come in 😂

[@krazykoala7329]

@@GetThePancake ngl im ashamed to admit that haikyu was what got be into volleyball. i was never really into sports much but i'm so happy i found one i like! Since playing i've gotten fitter and made some friends, ect.

[@ranchhoddas7353]

Stories inspire us to do things. Why are you feeling sorry? I was never into Volleyball and I still don't play it after watching Haikyuu... But I am really happy that I got to know about Volleyball through Haikyuu. Growing up, I was never a Sports kid. Yes, Haikyuu inspired me a lot. I go for running after watching Anime and have joined Gym also. In a world where negativity is taking over and people are losing motivations easily, let's be thankful for Good stories that inspire us to move forward.

[@IsabelGarcia-pe3ob]

4'9" sophomore highschool student that has no experience trying to train to be libero ill keep y'all updated😎 EDIT: my receiving is improving and my thighs have gotten stronger, reflexes not so much >:((D 6/14)

[@strawberrymiik8295]

isabel garcia oh wow I’m only 5’2 so I’ll probably be a libero to

[@teaonbush4211]

ME TOO!!!!! i’ve been going on runs everyday doing squats and pushups etc and i really wanna make the team but i’m scared i won’t cause i haven’t played sports since i was in 6th grade 😭😭

[@candycornisdevilschow5231]

Teaon Bush I’ve never played a sport (besides boxing lol) and I’m trying for the first time! You got this

[@ilushly]

Liberos are so cool

[@galaxyrose12]

Yes!

[@EEe-tk8cz]

I- all the comments are about nishinoya

[@mickybadia]

The libero is only allowed to serve in the USA (are there other exceptions?). The normal rule is that a libero cannot serve. And then no need to qualify with "but only for one position". Also in int'l rules a libero cannot touch (hit) the ball anywhere above the net and get it over, even if behind the 3m line. That is a difference with regular players. I don't know if this another American difference or if you got that part wrong.

[@HeroicPhrog]

Helped me a lot in a game called Volley Ball 4.2 on roblox now I know what place I rather be when I’m in back row thanks a lot!

[@GetThePancake]

Ha!! Glad it could help 😊🙌🏼

[@silenziobruno3339]

😂👏👏🏐omg I see oikawa on your profile pic

[@Calfea]

volleyball libero don’t mind me...

[@sheria447]

Lol same. I also play that

[@parsahusseinnejad2536]

same lol I came to see if they had to serve because the lib on my team sucks at serves ;c

[@demzre]

So from what I can tell, most liberos are the shorter players on the team. But is that always true? Do coaches favor shorter players for the role?

[@GetThePancake]

Skill should always be the determining factor. The best passers will USUALLY be the libero. However, an athlete who is tall and able to pass well will typically play in the front row also, since they're usually able to reach higher (and therefore have more aggressive attacks). If the taller player is also a good passer, they will probably play all the way around and not sub out. Making them the libero would take away the chance to use them in the front row. This is why shorter players (if they don't have a big vertical) often play back row only. The best passers from this group will usually become the team's libero. Note: I say "usually" and "typically" a lot in this response. Every team/athlete is different in their preferences. Another note: at the college level, "short" may still be 5'7" or taller. Hope that helps!

[@demzre]

Thanks, that clarifies things. I just thought that since they’re lower to the ground, they can dig and dive quicker to balls.

[@audreyryland]

nah i’m 5’7 and i’m a libero

[@ilovejin2260]

are liberos allowed to pass the ten foot line ? like trying to save a shut out and no one can get it?

[@ccstars7423]

I love jin Yes! Just can’t jump in front of it!

[@thestationalduo7242]

Me realizes that i already know most of the rules bc of anime. Well u all know wut I’m talking, anime fans!😅

[@frosteffect1022]

YUP!

[@emalynnharbaugh468]

this was very helpful for a libero like me.... 😂

[@supperramen1126]

Great vid visual aides would improve it a bit thoe

[@guestguest2767]

I'm watching this cause I wanna be a libero :D

[@jasonnguyen9994]

Same i wanna be a libero too it seems cool to me

[@casperlyvv]

Honestly same

[@guestguest2767]

I wanna be a libero cause I don't know how to spike 😀👍

[@casperlyvv]

Guest Guest I’m pretty short so things like jumping over the net, spiking, etc. are just really hard to do for me

[@guestguest2767]

@@christlne I just never get the timing right when I spike and I always miss :")

[@rin_zeric5473]

Question: When a Libero is forced off the court (because they cant rotate to the front) can they come right back in to substitute for another player?

[@GetThePancake]

They can switch with another player if they are going back to serve. Otherwise they must sit out for one play. Great question!

[@ShurisTV]

Wow! Highly recommended videos. ❤

[@finchan9944]

I'm watching random haikyuu moments, why am I here?

[@lillimarie5010]

Liberos are not allowed to serve in Europe and in general in world championsships.... maybe you have to consider the outside of the US as well:))

[@GetThePancake]

Great point! Thank you!

[@ilovejin2260]

i want to be a libero but i’m 5’3 and i’m only in middle school and you know that’s considered tall in middle school so rip me

[@j-neematthews3027]

THATS CONSIDERED TALL?!?💀🤣

[@captaincool6234]

I mean I’m 5’2, in middle school and considered short🤷🏽‍♀️

[@jeromes5183]

Our football team averages 5 10 in middle school and I’m like 5 0

[@hisokastoes963]

I love jin me:4’9 and ppl considering I should be a libero T-T

[@beatsfarmbeets9561]

I’m 5’1 and I’m in 8th grade I’m the Libero on my team ;-;

[@tarunbaskaran558]

wonderful video :)

[@GetThePancake]

Thank you!!

[@ashlyndavenport3610]

I have never played volleyball on a team but I am trying out for a club team called far out, do you have any tips? I'm very short and interested in playing libero and tryouts are next month and ill be practicing do you think I'll make the team if I practice

[@nur-ph2yq]

yes, but you have to practice a lot, not only because you never played volleyball on a team but because libero is an amazing position and is not easy to play, but im sure you'd be amazing

[@ashlyndavenport3610]

@@nur-ph2yq thank you! I made the team:)

[@madide3978]

My tryouts are today and i am short too... im just scared

[@juanpedropena7464]

Any in depth guides as well or other channel recommendations?

[@volleyball4883]

I've never played before but I have been a manager for a team and I really like the sport! I'm thinking about joining and the libero is my favorite position but I'm not sure my school has one. I'm trying to learn how to become a libero at home. Also I pronounce it the italian way "lee buh ro" but I am in the US is that weird? I just can't imagine pronouncing it the other way

[@jimmyneutron7221]

I don’t think it matters really, I say it the same as you (I’m Australian) as long as it’s recognisably libero

[@jeanrose4639]

It will be helpful if there’s a visual explanation. So hard to follow the left back to right back to middle blocker back and forth. I guess this vid is for beginners or intermediate 😅

[@igiveup6611]

am I a libero yes But before anyone ask NO HAIKYUU (mostly nishinoya) DID NOT INSPIRE ME I just like volleyball and I can't exactly jump

[@galaxyrose12]

I want to be a libero because Haikyu inspiration. Plus my height. I'm still 4'11 I'm super close to 5'0 I'm good at passing too.

[@igiveup6611]

@@galaxyrose12 go for it! I just get asked a lot if I was inspired by haikyuu-- also just saying your revives might good but make sure you work up a good reflex and moving for the ball even if it's short-- also work on diving skills as a libero to another you don't want to smash your face into the floor also being shorter in that position is a but better I'm 4'9 I usually don't have to dig it just easier ykyk

[@galaxyrose12]

@@igiveup6611 Thanks for the tips.

[@el-wv2nq]

wait is it required to serve bc for some reason i can not serve to save my life and tmr ill see if i make the team or not and ppl kept telling me that my passes were rlly good and that you dont need to serve but im not sure

[@GetThePancake]

No, serving is not required! Coaches like it if you can serve, but it's not a necessity! Good luck!

[@user-lt2mc9qu2l]

I know how you feel. Except my problem is not being able to set. I guess that's why I couldn't be a libero I'm 5'9" and I'm an outside htter.

[@dakoter7533]

Did you make it on the team?! 🏐🙂

[@mackcrawford3238]

It's not necessary but I would try and work at your serve! My couch said that if you cant serve the ball over the net then you wont make the team. But take that with a grain ofsalt. Every couch is different

[@madafakasana5546]

Them: Do you want to be a libero? ME: Believe me!, I've watched a lot of 'the best of's Noshinoya'...so yeah...Rolling thundaaaaaaaa

[@sully5904]

As someone who is practicing to be a libero im having a little bit of trouble with setting my passing and recives are good im just getting discouraged when setting does anyone have any tips for that?

[@rubyhatfield8060]

Make sure when you set you are jumping and then setting mid air. Its a left right approach with the two feet coming together to a small jump. But you want to be careful not to jump while your hands are at the ball rather right before for the most momentum and power. I like to tell people to imagine holding a large bottle of soda now lean your hands back like you are chugging that soda, they end up in a perfectly rounded position to set. Also always set with your fingertips and don't be afraid to practice your backset.

[@JoshBoothlacrosse]

I don’t play but ik they have to jump while setting in front I don’t know why tho

[@GetThePancake]

Mmmm, that's not correct haha.

[@tarakrinsky2294]

when would you have the libero set the ball for the setter?

[@naestouch_]

I would say when the setter is playing back row and has to take the first pass. Unless someone else is designated to set the pall when the setter takes first play.

[@edwinubod0405]

I come here from tiktok, because of best libero Kojima the little girl, from Japan

[@lostintranzlation457]

I feel that we should go with the original Italian pronunciation, only because it's a) It has an inconsistent pronunciation in other countries b) the word 'libero' is not a common english word. It was imported from another country. ex: "I drive a Nissan car" (Knee-sahn not Niss-ann) Anyway, enough about that. Really appreciate your video. Like the libero position, just get confused about the dynamics of it

[@indseymago8910]

I wanna shift to be a libero but then I realized I don’t even know what they do

[@manuelsegalex]

Can you use 2 liberos on same game?? Thanks for the videos!

[@Marcv1285]

yes you can. Many teams have 1 libero specialized for receiving serve and the other for defense. So they use whichever is the best depending who is serving.

[@rzafra1213]

Was told I'm libero... here cause idfk what I doing 😀

[@Marcv1285]

a few things not entirely right... Can a Libero serve? The libero can serve ONLY in the USA, everywhere else in the world, they absolutely can't. Even in the USA, events played under the FIVB rules (all the international events), the libero can't serve. (volleyball is however a sport in evolution, so this wouldn't surprise me if the rule change in FIVB to allow it in the future) 2:33 When your middle blockers rotate back row, he's serving... If you play under the FIVB rules, you can't have your libero serve the ball. Not only that, there's another issue. Usually when your middle blocker rotates to serve this also means your other middle blocker moves into position 4, this means your libero just exit the court cause he can't play in front. Now he has to wait at least 1 rally before going back to the court... Only 1 libero switch is allowed per rally. 2:56 libero switch has to be done in the "libero substitution zone", this is the sideline between the 3 meter line (10 foot) and the end line. Many unexperienced libero will enter the court by the end line (service line) which is also wrong. 3:10 This must actually happens before the referee authorize the serve. By your example, if the libero switch after the service hit, this is not a delay, this is a rotation fault, the rally stops and the opponent is awarded a point. What you probably meant to say is if the Libero switch between the Authorization to serve and the actual serve hit, this is where you may get a delay. Here is how it works: "A Libero replacement made after the whistle for service but before the service hit should not be rejected; however, at the end of the rally, the game captain must be informed that this is not a permitted procedure, and that repetition will be subject to delay sanctions." "Subsequent late Libero replacements shall result in the play being interrupted immediately and the imposition of a delay sanction. The team to serve next will be determined by the level of the delay sanction."

[@justinlim709]

Scott Sterling brought me here

[@garymcbride340]

Hi I’m returning to volleyball after years away, you call positions using left back etc, do we no longer refer to their position number?

[@josselin361]

Anime never falls to inspire me never and want me to do volleyball 😁

[@hiomg192]

Istg bcz of Haikyuu I made my parents buy me a ball and give me their time to help me learn LMAO

[@miggyalejandro]

Rolling-uuu - Thundaaa!!!!!

[@anthonyyamamoto3181]

Lol fax legendary

[@coachdave9677]

Lee Ber O. It’s Italian in origin.

[@splishh686]

oh my god look, i love haikyuu, but these comments are getting annoying

[@JorgeHernandez-fi2lc]

honestly haikyuu has the second most toxic fan base after mha

[@splishh686]

Jorge Hernandez i think it comes after hxh but yeah

[@skwidmunkee5840]

@@JorgeHernandez-fi2lc its more like cringy, they aren't necessarily toxic and weird they just dont know when to stfu about haikyuu

[@casperlyvv]

Jorge Hernandez how? I’ve met some really nice people and I’ve never seen someone get mad over a ship.

[@skwidmunkee5840]

@@casperlyvv yea they are nice, but like i dont want to read a "KaGeyAma iN rEal LifE" comment everytime I see something abt vb

[@USALibertarian]

"How can we make this beautifully simple game way too complicated?"

[@alembess9129]

Why are liberos shorter than the rest of the players?

[@naladuncan9303]

because they don’t attack nor block, they’re there to protect the ball from the ground and are typically the best passers

[@naladuncan9303]

and sometimes it’s harder for shorter people to spike so they usually pass

[@alembess9129]

@@naladuncan9303 Thanks. Are liberos deliberately chosen as shorter than the other players? Can't a similarly tall player function as libero? Pardon me, I really don not know.

[@kimiko3462]

@@alembess9129 Hello! A libero can be any height. Typically, liberos are shorter as they tend to be quicker and closer to the ground allowing them to pick up more balls. However, some of the best liberos in the world can get up to 6″2 or even taller. Being taller allows you to cover more ground. All heights have their advantages, a good libero isn’t defined by their height but rather by their effort and ability to never give up on balls! Hope this helps. C;

[@alembess9129]

@@kimiko3462 Thanks for this. I asked the question because I noticed that the liberos I'd seen so far tended to be shorter than the rest of the team.

[@Chiilz]

I wanna be libero cuz i like that they got a inverted jersey