The Surprising Reason One Volleyball Player Sports a Different Color Jersey

WASHINGTON — Both indoor and beach volleyball events are now in full swing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Viewers of Team USA’s recent match against China might have noticed a player in a different colored jersey on each team. This player is known as a “libero.”

The libero is a defensive specialist who is restricted to playing in the back row and is prohibited from serving, spiking, or playing in the front row. The distinct jersey color helps referees identify them easily to enforce these specialized rules. The introduction of the libero position came after the 1996 Olympics, courtesy of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), which governs Olympic volleyball.

Though both indoor and beach volleyball share similar foundational rules, noticeable differences distinguish the two. Indoor volleyball, which has six players per team and made its Olympic debut in 1964, is played on a larger court inside an arena. In contrast, beach volleyball features two-player teams, a smaller sand court, and no substitutions, first appearing as an Olympic sport in 1996 after being demonstrated in 1992.

In both formats, each team can make up to three touches before sending the ball over the net. However, indoor volleyball matches are decided in a best-of-five sets format, while beach volleyball uses a best-of-three format. The balls used in beach volleyball also differ; they are inflated with 30% less air pressure than their indoor counterparts, resulting in slower movement.

The speed of serves in volleyball can be astonishing. According to Olympic organizers, volleyballs can reach speeds of up to 80 miles per hour during jump serves or smashes, demanding quick reflexes from athletes.

The action continues at the Paris Olympics, showcasing the exceptional skills and distinctive elements that make both indoor and beach volleyball thrilling sports to watch.