600x600 Get 5 free servingtipspromoGet 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Register TODAY! for my
Coach April's
May 16 -17 and 30 -31
Spiking and Hitting clinics

COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today
COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today
COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today
COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today

Email: info@improveyourvolley.com for info or to register for this weekend's clinics! 


Libero Volleyball Basics: A Mom's Guide To The Defense Specialist Role

Perfect for moms of young players, this guide helps you learn libero volleyball basics which helps you raise your game IQ and support your childs defensive play

In this mom's guide, I'll demystify the world of liberos, giving you the knowledge about the libero volleyball basics you need to support your young player's defensive journey. (photo Erik Drost)In this mom's guide, I'll demystify the world of liberos, giving you the knowledge about the libero volleyball basics you need to support your young player's defensive journey. (photo Erik Drost)

Now that you're a volleyball mom, learning the libero volleyball basics can help you better support your player, regardless of their age or skill level.

But what exactly are the libero volleyball basics, and why is this position so crucial in high school and club volleyball?

In this mom's guide, I'll demystify the world of liberos, giving you the knowledge about the libero volleyball basics you need to support your young player's defensive journey.



If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Ebook_How_to_Clean_Up_Your_Passing_and_Get_More_-linkedin-profile-cover-1.jpeg

Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.

Libero Volleyball Basics 101: Decoding the Defensive Superstar Role


 Let's start by getting a good  understanding about the libero volleyball position itself.

A libero is a defensive specialist

They're

  • typically the team's best passer and defender
  • playing only in the back row.

A coach might instruct a player to serve a "short serve" or a "deep serve" to target specific areas of the opponent's court or exploit weaknesses in their serve receive formation. 

Ari, my private training client and I are working specifically on serving on jump float cross court serves ...short to Zone 2









There's so much we work on to get to this point where she can contact the ball with

  • the same toss height and same toss location
  • the same armswing speed 
  • the same timing for when her serving hand contacts the ball
  • the middle of the hand contacting the middle of the ball every single time
  • getting use to watching her serving hand contact the ball at the highest point of her jump ...before she starts to land
  • and finally contacting the ball in the precise spot on the ball so it goes where the coach wants the player to put it so in this case ..a short serve in the farthest short right corner on the court also called Zone 2. 


A libero is a defensive specialist who wears a different colored jersey and has to follow a unique set of substitution rules.

They're typically the team's best passer and defender, and can only play in Zone 1, Zone 6 and Zone 5 aka the back row positions before coming out and allowing a front row player come in so they can play across the front row. 




Gregory is my Vegas Volley Boys 18s team libero. 


The libero position was introduced in 1998 in order to

  • improve and allow more focus on defensive play (especially in the men's game) 
  • to make rallies more exciting 
  • make the game more appealing to a television audience



Ari, my private training client is a Tstreet Las Vegas 16s Bree libero who's been training with me for three years and we're working on her aggressively consistent jump float serve to the cross court Zone 5 corner. 


Libero players are

Liberos are also considered the "defensive quarterbacks" of the team responsible for communicating or reminding the backrow players about the team defensive strategy and accepting the leadership role in the backcourt. 


Mom Tip:

Explain these libero volleyball basics to your child using simple terms. It'll help them understand their role better and feel more confident on the court.


Libero Lingo: Essential Defensive Terms in Libero Volleyball Basics


Volleyball Digging Drills: The Hit And Dig Drill We Do In Boot Camps, Practice and Private Sessions is used in warmups to improve hitting technique and digging technique skills. 




To appreciate your child's defensive play, it's helpful to understand some key terminology when they work on improving their libero volleyball basics skills.  


4 Digging Drills For Volleyball Players To Do Like This Hit And Dig Drill With Cross Court Digging



Remember there are two ways to do this drill. 

Your coach can have you dig the ball back to them or they can have you dig the ball back to the setter's spot which builds up muscle memory so this becomes an automatic move when you're digging in a game.  

In this version we set the ball baskets as targets where the setter's would be. There are actually two digger groups working one in the left back Zone 5 position and one with a right back Zone 1 defensive position. 

Hitters alternate at a steady rhythm so the drill moves quickly and diggers have a brief pause to recuperate after each dig. 

- Dig:

The fundamental defensive skill of preventing the ball from hitting the floor after an opponent's attack.

- Up:

A call made by defenders to alert teammates that they've successfully dug the ball.

- Touch:

When a defender makes contact with the ball, even if they don't control it fully.

- Defense:

The overall act of protecting against opponent attacks.


Mom Tip:

Create a "Libero Lingo" board at home where you and your player can add new libero volleyball basics terms as you learn them.


Conquer the Fundamentals: Core Skills in Libero Volleyball Basics

The ability for a player to anticipate where the ball will go or where a player will send the ball or how a player will react to a ball based on what they see the opposing player doThe ability for a player to anticipate where the ball will go or where a player will send the ball or how a player will react to a ball based on what they see the opposing player do


While all volleyball players need solid defensive skills, liberos specialize in these libero volleyball basics:

- Ball Control:

The ability to accurately control the ball while passing, setting, digging or serving the ball to an intended target during a rally

Many practice hours are spent on each skill learning how to get in position and use the correct technique in order to best control the ball 

The team on the left is the serving team on defense while the team on the right is in serve receive.

Once they "receive the serve" they will run their offense in an attempt to score a point against the defensive team. 


- Serve Receive:

A crucial skill for liberos and backrow players who "receive the serve" from the opposing team's server involving passing the ball to their setter 


- Footwork:

Quick, efficient foot steps that generate movement forward, backward or side to side that a player makes to get in position to get to a ball to dig it or pass it




In my original Boot Camp classes here in Las Vegas my strength and conditioning Coach D works on shuffle step footwork which passers, liberos and defensive specialists use when passing the ball and playing defense. 

Fun fact: the player second from the left is Stanford starting senior setter Kami Miner, three year private training client, three year Voice Voice Boot Camp class and Breakfast Club member and three year and the youngest starting setter on my Volleycats Elite VBC teams


- Reading the Game:

The ability for a player to

  • anticipate where the ball will go or
  • where a player will send the ball or
  • how a player will react to a ball based on what they see the opposing player do or how they interpret where they think the opposing player plans to move


Libero Volleyball Basics: Understanding the Unique Position Rules

Libero Volleyball Basics: Liberos play by a special set of rules, which set them apart from what the other player rules need to follow. (photo of libero passing erik drost)Libero Volleyball Basics: Liberos play by a special set of rules, which set them apart from what the other player rules need to follow. (photo of libero passing erik drost)


Liberos play by a special set of rules, which set them apart from what the other player rules need to follow. Check out these libero volleyball basics:

- Libero Tracking:

The process of monitoring libero substitutions to ensure rules are followed.

- Libero Line:

The attack line that liberos cannot cross to set the ball to a front-row attacker.

- Substitutions:

Liberos can replace any back-row player without their entries/exits counting against the team's substitution limit

-Liberos can enter and exit the court from behind the ten foot line while other substitutions with other player positions are made in front of the ten foot line

- Attacking Restrictions:

Liberos cannot jump take a spike approach and attack the ball above the height of the net.



Supporting Your Young Libero: Applying Libero Volleyball Basics as a Mom

The Volleyball Mom Shirt: Celebrate Who you Are, Surround Yourself With positive People Who Lift You UpThe Volleyball Mom Shirt: Celebrate Who you Are, Surround Yourself With positive People Who Lift You Up


As a volleyball mom, your support in reinforcing libero volleyball basics is crucial.

Here are some ways to encourage your budding libero:

1. Use libero volleyball basics terms regularly when discussing the game with your child.

2. Encourage proper form for basic defensive moves, using simple libero jargon from the volleyball basics glossary of terms.

3. Watch volleyball matches together and point out when the libero is applying these basics in action so you two can discuss.

4. Create flashcards with libero volleyball basics terms and their definitions for fun family learning.

5. Celebrate effort and improvement in mastering these basics, not just successful plays.


Conclusion:



Armed with this knowledge about  libero volleyball basics, you're now ready to be your child's biggest supporter on their volleyball journey.

Remember, the goal isn't to become a coach, or to replace your child's coach, but to create a supportive environment where understanding of libero volleyball basics is valued and shared.

So the next time your young libero comes home excited about a perfect dig or frustrated by a missed play, you'll be ready with understanding, encouragement, and maybe even a few tips based on these libero volleyball basics.

Now go forth and support your libero with confidence!


Do You Follow Me on Pinterest?

Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!


Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!

I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 



You might like these pages for Volleyball Moms


Volleyball Player Whisperer in Vegas Restoring Power + Peace + Passion To Burnt Out Players, High Performance Volleyball Coach, ImproveYourVolley Web Author, Peace Love Volleyball CollectionVolleyball Player Whisperer in Vegas Restoring Power + Peace + Passion To Burnt Out Players, High Performance Volleyball Coach, ImproveYourVolley Web Author, Peace Love Volleyball Collection

AUTHOR BIO

April Chapple is an elite private volleyball trainer, former USA National Team member, and University of Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee who has coached in Las Vegas for 15+ years, training hundreds of athletes and helping numerous players reach college volleyball, including Division I standouts.

She's also the head coach for girls and boys 18s at Squad VBC and offers coaches consulting on technical teaching and player development. Connect with April on LinkedIn or at ImproveYourVolley.com, where her eye for overlooked talent sets her apart.


From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

What Are You Looking For?

Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:

🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide -

Players! Learn How To Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon

Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist Guide

Parents! Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played)


5freeseervingtips600by600promoGet 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


 SUSCRIBE  to my email newsletter below!

as seen as on USA News InfluencerTennessee Athletics Honors April Chapple at Champions Weekend for Legendary Volleyball Achievements
utkchampionsweekendneylandstadiumselfiewithsharrieffaduringsocial

Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

A-1 Vegas Volley VBC

    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

18s Premier Division



Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?

Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.

You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me,        Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.

Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!


Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.
In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Team Building Activities for Volleyball: A Freshman Coach's Guide

    May 12, 26 11:05 PM

    coachapril18steambondingpaintcerramicsteamouting2
    Boost Your Freshmen Team's Chemistry! Discover fun and effective team building activities for volleyball freshmen players to improve communication and teamwork.

    Read More

  2. 2 High School Volleyball Tips On How To Use Your Communications Skills

    May 10, 26 12:21 AM

    young vb spiker too far under the ball when spiking looking straight up instead of keeping the ball infrontofheralcase
    One of my high school volleyball tips is to be the back row quarterback who maximizes your communication skills to help guide your team through every play.

    Read More

  3. How To Improve In Volleyball The Volleycats Elite Volleyball Club Way

    May 10, 26 12:17 AM

    norasvcebookpage22
    When I became club director of my own Volleycats Elite Club I created a strategic practice and conditioning plan for players on how to improve in volleyball.

    Read More