GET DOWN AND GET LIBERO

The new libero position has allowed the back court specialist to be on the court for almost an entire match. When liberos are behind the attack line, they're only allowed to pass, play defense and set the ball overhand. They can never jump and attack the ball.

The special substitution rules allow for this player to enter the game an unlimited amount of times for any player on the court. Since liberos can't serve, they have to wait until a player completes his serve before they enter the game.

The libero wears a different colored jersey from the rest of the team and doesn't have to report to the scorer. He can simply walk on and exchange positions with any player. When the libero rotates to the front row, he once again exchanges with the same player without disrupting the flow of the game.

In this picture, Erik Sullivan, who won $50,000 when he was named the "World's Best Libero" at the World Championships last year, is getting down to make a play. More than ever, backcourt specialists are being recognized for their talent. Smaller players with great passing and defensive skills are once again having an impact at the Olympic level.

Before too long, it's likely that the libero rule will be adopted at other levels of the game. So work hard on your defensive skills and earn yourself a spot on the court.

HEY, THIS SET IS LEGAL

Now that the rules allow overhand serve receive, many players are finding it easier to control the ball by playing it overhand rather than underhand. Kevin Barnett, one of the best overhand passers on the USA men's team, often uses this technique.

In this picture, Kevin is in the perfect position to handle a serve overhand. His hands are open and prepared to accept the ball. He is doing a great job of keeping the play high on his forehead so he can see under the bottom of the ball. For this position, he'll be able to extend his arms out completely and get enough power to set the ball all the way up to the target at the net.

This style of serve receive is a great way to handle balls that are rising up on the passer and might otherwise result in a shank.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to drop your body down to make a good overhand pass. By keeping his hands high on his forehead, Kevin has kept the ball in perfect position. He is still looking under the bottom of the ball and his hands and wrists have remained in a constant postion.

Keep in mind, if you drop down, you won't be able to use your legs, so you'll have to generate power from your arms. To get the ball up to the net, snap hard with your arms and hands.

GET UP AND SWING

No matter where the ball is set, it's the hitter's responsibility to get to it and get a good swing. Here, Pepperdine's George Roumain demonstrates a unique technique for saving an errant set: jumping high and hitting over the antenna. While not many of us can jump like George, all hitters should try to save a bad set.

A smart shot may be to simply keep the ball in play. Try to find one that delays or disrupts the opponent's transition game. For instance, if you make the opponent's setter handle the first ball across the net, it forces the other team to change it's transition, and that may result in a point for your team.

HIT HIGH AND FLAT ON THE TRAP

When the set falls further inside than the hitter is anticipating, the blocker may have an advantage. If the hitter makes an effort to get to the ball, she may find an option available like this shot by the USA's Kevin Barnett.

By turning the ball and hitting hard into the block, Kevin has blown the Brazilian blocker's hands off the net.

This technique can be used by players of any size. If you're a small hitter, tooling the edges of the block is a great way to score. It also drives huge blockers crazy.