Creating the W formation
Once a team on defense anticipates during a rally that their opponents cannot attack their third contact, they simply need to call out “free ball” and move to the W formation.
Once a team on defense anticipates during a rally that their opponents cannot attack their third contact, they simply need to call out “free ball” and move to the W formation. This example of moving from defense to preparing to play offense is called transition. Transition will be covered in more detail in chapter 12, including match situations when you also move from offense to defense.
To move from base defensive positions to create a W formation (figure 10.1a), the player already in zone 2 as a blocker can be designated as the setter and should take a position near net zone 6. Blockers in zones 3 and 4 turn and run straight back behind the attack line to prepare to attack, and now join their teammate in zone 1 to form a straight line, while teammates in zones 5 and 6 position themselves as shown in figure 10.1b to create the W. Five players are now in position to receive the free ball.
Figure 10.1 (a) Moving from base defense to W formation, (b) W formation using court zones.
Creation of the libero position
In the late 1990s, the libero position was officially introduced for international competition and was first used for NCAA women’s volleyball in the 2002 season.
In the late 1990s, the libero position was officially introduced for international competition and was first used for NCAA women's volleyball in the 2002 season. I remember that season well. I spent a lot of time considering each player's skills (serve receive and defense) and attributes (ball control skills and quickness) to determine how best to utilize this new role.
I recall that coaches at the time speculated that one reason the libero was introduced was to give shorter players a bigger role in the game, even though from the outset no height requirements were attached to the rule. Initially, this designated back-row player was not allowed to serve, so I immediately considered our top defensive players and passers for this role. I quickly discovered that positioning the libero after our pass and set to cover our attacker was vital in keeping balls blocked by our opponent off the floor. Without question, the introduction of the libero to our sport affected systems of team coverage (which will be introduced in chapter 11) and many other aspects of team play. Over time, on-court leadership responsibilities and potential also made my short list of considerations for selecting players for this position.
