The position is described as the volleyball team's primary defender and is governed by different rules than the others on the court. The libero is not allowed to block at the net or attack, and wears a completely different jersey so the referee can keep track of what they are doing.
In the Swedish national team, which tonight meets gold favourite Italy in the European Championship quarter-finals, it is Filippa Brink who takes on the role.
I've always thought it was fun. Defending balls, throwing yourself on the ground and taking spikes.
Spikers went first to clubs
She started playing volleyball at the age of nine in Hässleholm and today she plays for the French team Les Comètes d'Orléans. The road to a professional career was tough.
When Brink hired an agent to go to Europe three years ago, she received several no's in a row, with the justification being that the club had chosen to move on with players in other positions. Spikers and centres were given priority.
It is difficult for liberos in particular to get contracts in Europe, says Brink.
After a year of searching, she finally signed for Czech TJ Sokol Šternberk.
"You were proud that you had managed to achieve it yourself," says the 24-year-old.
Once she got out to Europe, she found it easier to get new contracts. She also believes that her progress in the Swedish national team over the past four years has helped.
Brink: Haak's point is everyone's point
The role of the libero is overshadowed by the attackers, especially when Sweden's spiker is Isabelle Haak.
You know your role, but when "Bella" scores, it's the whole team that makes her score points, says Filippa Brink.
About Sweden making it to tonight's European Championship quarter-finals in Brno, Czech Republic, she says:
It was probably the coolest thing I've done in my volleyball career so far.
Sweden's women's volleyball team came third in the European Championship group stage in Gothenburg, the best group result that a Swedish women's national team has achieved in the championship.
On Monday, they won 3–0 in sets against the host country, the Czech Republic, and advanced to the quarter-finals for the second time in the women's national team's history.
The quarter-finals will be played against reigning world champions Italy at 7:00 PM tonight.
The match will be played in Brno and will be broadcast on SVT/SVT Play.
