Libero

I have definitely found the new position that I love to play in volleyball: libero. Most people don't know what the libero (pronounced lib-bear-row) position is. For most folks, they just assume that there are 6 people on the court... 3 in the front row and 3 in the back row... and that whoever gets the 3rd touch is the "spiker." While there's some truth to that... volleyball has... positions. There is usually 1 player (possibly 2) on the court designated as the setter. Then you have some big players up in front who are outside hitters, middle hitters, or play opposite (the setter).

The problem is that, while these huge hitters are strong and powerful when in the front row, they are often not so good at passing the ball or moving quick or diving when they are in the back row. That's where the libero comes in. I love this position.



The libero gets to swap in and out with these hitters when they are supposed to occupying the 3 spots in the back row. This libero substitution is not like regular substitutions of players (of which a team has a limited number each set). That's why the libero gets to wear a different colored uniform than the rest of the players on his team.

The front row player gets a break since they've been jumping (hitting and blocking) while playing the front row. And I get to be a defensive specialist in their place in the back row... receive serves, dig down balls, and chase after tipped or blocked balls. This is why I love playing indoor volleyball - I get to dive. And since I'm shorter, I'm closer to the ground, and so I have more time to get to these balls.

My men's team here has been playing in the city tournament league. We've had 7 matches so far, and our record is 3-4. Not so great. But it has been so much fun. I'm not entirely sure how much longer this league goes... it's possible our next match (12/3) is an elimination round match. I don't really catch these details very much (either because our team manager doesn't push this information, or because I just don't understand the Chinese)... I just show up when I'm told and get ready to hit the ground.