The word libero means “free” in Italian.
It’s also the term used to describe a relatively new volleyball position that gives coaches the freedom and flexibility to improve their defense, extend rallies and increase the excitement for spectators.
As a way to keep a strong defender on the court at all times, the libero was introduced internationally in 1998. Four years later, the NCAA added the position. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) approved the Washington Interscholatic Activities Association’s request to add the libero to Washington high schools for the 2004 volleyball season.
“The purpose (of adding the libero) was to help the defense catch up with the offense,” Edmonds-Woodway coach Mike Pittis said. “With the growth of the jump serve and better and better athletes running more and more complex offenses, the focus was placed on how to counter defensively.”
The libero is a specialized defensive player who wears a different color jersey than the rest of the team. That helps officials keep track of the libero, since a different set of rules apply to the postion. The main rule — and the one that inspired the name — is liberos are free to sub for any player in the back row without counting against the number of team substitutions. However, before switching and subbing for a second player, the libero must sit out for one service.
According to the NFHS rule book, liberos are also not allowed to block or attack the ball if it’s above net height and although liberos were not originally allowed to serve, the rules were amended in 2006.
Because the libero is allowed only in the back row, when it’s her turn in the rotation to move to the front row, she must either leave the court for one play or she can take her turn in the serving position.
“The libero can theoretically be in the game for five-and-a-half of the six full rotations, leaving only for the half rotation when they rotate to the front row when they’re not serving,” Shorecrest coach Dave Morehouse said.
Unlike many sports, which have seen an increase in bigger and taller athletes, the libero allows smaller volleyball players a chance to shine.
“Since (the libero) is not allowed to play in the front row, she gains no real advantage to being tall,” Pittis said. “In fact, often quite the opposite, as smaller, quicker players who can get low to the ground and dive and recover quickly are more suited to the position.”
Aside from being strong defenders and passers, liberos need to have good communication skills.
“In our system, (liberos) are responsible for connecting and organizing our serve-receive and back-row defense so leadership qualities are also very important,” King’s coach Steve Bain said.
Many area schools graduated top liberos last season and are looking at up-and-coming talent to fill vacant roles.
Monroe coach April Munoz is keeping an eye on junior Nicole Reying and freshmen Emily Akins and Melina Seabrook.
“(Nicole) never gives up on a ball and puts her heart into every play. She is eternally positive,” Munoz said. “(Emily and Melina) are just like Nicole so they bring out the best in all their teammates and they make every drill competitive.”
Another libero to watch this season is Everett’s Jody Barhanovich, a sophomore and second-year varsity player.
“I believe Jody will be a league-recognized libero this year,” Everett coach Heather McLeod said. “She takes the second ball for the setter — if a setter digs or can’t get to the ball — so control of the ball is very important. Jody has set in the past, which only helped give her an understanding of her dominant role on the floor.”
Morehouse said Shorecrest’s Kelley Bayern, who is returning for her second year as a libero, also has what it takes to be a top libero.
“I think among Kelley’s strengths is the fact that she reads where the ball is going extremely well — sometimes to the point where she appears out of position because she sees it so early,” Morehouse said. “(She’s) one of the best readers of the ball I’ve seen in my 22 years.”
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