What is a defensive specialist in volleyball?

A defensive specialist in volleyball is a player whose primary role is to excel in their defensive skills, such as serving receive, digging, and passing. They typically play in the back-row positions and are responsible for making sure the ball stays in play by getting it to the setter. Defensive specialists are valued for their ability to read the opposing team's offense, predict movements, and convey it to their teammates to keep the ball from touching the ground. They must possess quick reflexes, agility, and a good sense of positioning to cover a large area of the court. Unlike liberos, defensive specialists are allowed to rotate around the court and are not limited to specific positions. In high-level competition, a team may have two or more defensive specialists to provide additional reinforcement in defense.