Paige White likes the new volleyball position which permits a player wearing a different-color jersey to replace any back row teammate who isnt serving at any time. The Illinois State sophomore just isnt sure about the positions name: libero.
Redbird coach Sharon Dingman knows what the new rule is about.
Essentially, it helps improve a teams ballhandling in the back row and allows a great ballhandler the opportunity to be on the court more, said Dingman, who recognized that some teams wont opt to use the new rule. But, if the Redbirds do, White is the most likely candidate.
Named for an Italian word meaning free, the libero does not count against the 12 allotted to each team for each game. It allows a player to dig and pass, but not serve, block, attack the ball above the height of the net or play a front-row position.
White likes lots of things about the new rule. The name, though?
I think it would make more sense to call the position vacuum, because your job is to pick up everything, said White, who claims she is getting bouncy and jumpy thinking about her teams season opener Aug. 30 against Florida State in the Barker GMC Classic at Redbird Arena.
Dingman says the Redbirds libero will wear a white jersey when the rest of the team is in white and a red when the rest of the team wears white. And White--the player, not the jersey color--likes the idea of looking different.
Hey, its a special position and the person who plays that position should be special and should stand out, said White, adding a teasing laugh.
On a more serious note, White likes how the change gets diggers and passers more of a chance to play. Previously, defensive specialists saw time in just two or three rotations at a time. Now, the libero can be on the floor in six of every seven rotations.
You really do have to pick up everything, said White. Before, as a DS, you had to stay focused and stay warm on the sidelines. Now, you wont be on the sidelines as much. I just wish the libero could serve, too. That would really make it exciting.
Although the rule makers claim that giving shorter players a more viable role in volleyball was important, the 5-foot-8 White --who played outside hitter and middle blocker in high school--doesnt think size matters.
I know some 6-footers who can really play defense, so height doesnt have much to do with it, said White.
According to Dingman, the rule will impact strategy.
With 12 subs and the libero, it will be easier to make substitutions, said Dingman. You dont have to worry as much about running out of subs at the end of a game. But I think better ballhandling will result in longer rallies and the fans enjoy that part of the game.
The new rule for womens volleyball has been in force internationally and in mens volleyball in recent years. It follows by just one year the elimination of side-out scoring rules in womens college volleyball.
