In a volleyball team consisting of six players, we can see a player who is in a uniform different from his teammates.
He is a libero, who is specialized in defensive skills. Since he is allowed to replace any other player, he is called the “libero” meaning “free.” However, in actuality, he has many restrictions. Without being permitted to block or serve or attack the ball when it is entirely above net height, the libero is only responsible for the serve of the opponent team and has to catch the ball that comes at the full speed. In this way, he takes care of all the chores of his team in securing the end line. For these characteristics, he doesn’t get much attention from the audience who goes wild at powerful spiking and blocking or from the press that focuses on winning points.
However, the libero is a very important player who is indispensable to the team. It’s because the team can be stable and attack better when there is a strong defense. As he jumps here and there in the court to save the ball, he gets bruises all over his body, but since it is his mission, his wounds are his shiny medals.