libero help...!

Question
hi..im amber im 16 and gonna be a jr. this coming year..i recently had surgery on feb.15.2008 b/c i tore my ACL and MCL in b-ball.b/c of that i was out of sports for 5 months, and barly got released on july.17.2008.so far this this vball season we've had our camp on july 28.& are about to start 2-days in a cpl.days. and my coaches are talking about making me libero. do you have any advice on how i can excel in that position even with my knee still kinda messed up.?.or how to have a good work ethic.?.. thanks all the advice is greatly appreciated.!!

Answer
Good morning!

Thank you for visiting www.allexpert.com

I've worked with girls who've torn their ACL, and had surgery.  Your doctor has released you quicker than I'm accustomed to.  In fact, we had a girl as camp this summer get hurt, and she's being told 6 to 9 months before she'll be released.  She's also being told that even after 1 year, she won't be quite back to 100% yet.  

I guess your coaches want you to play libero b/c you're having trouble jumping?  (You said in your message to me that the knee is still kinda messed up.)  Well, b/c of that and the big knee brace, digging will be tough for you also.  Why?  B/c you've going to have to squat, stretch, bend, get on your stomach, etc.

I'm not trying to upset you or discourage you.  I'm just saying, it's going to be hard to play any position on the volleyball court well since you just had surgery 5 months ago.  Is it impossible?  Of course not!!!!  

If you can compete at any position, that would be awesome! You mentioned work ethic.  I don't think that'll be your issue.  I think you're knee not being 100% will be your only obstacle.

Have I answered your question?  
If not, please follow up. I'd love to hear more about your situation!
I hope, hope, hope that you have a great vball season!

Coach Houser
www.coachhouser.com