Pepper (Partner Volleyball Drill)

Pepper is a partner drill where two players keep one ball going by taking turns: one passes or digs, the other sets, the first one hits, and the pattern repeats with every contact alternating between partners. It trains all three ball-control skills in a continuous rally, plus footwork and reading a hitter in a small space: players learn to adjust their feet to imperfect balls and to control the speed of their own hits. That is why many teams use it as a warm-up before practice and matches.

Focus

Pass, set, hit

Level

Beginner–intermediate

Players

2

Equipment

1 ball; no net needed, but a net or a line between partners helps

Space

Any flat area about 6 m long

Time

5–10 min

Print this drill

Setup

Partners face each other about 4–6 m apart: closer gives too little time to react; farther makes control hard. Because no net is needed, pepper also works as a warm-up before the net is set up. On a court, spread pairs out across the floor: for example, one partner in zone 6 and the other at the attack line, facing each other. Leave a few steps between pairs. (Zones are explained on Court Zones.)

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How to run it

1. Player A tosses the ball to Player B.
2. B passes the ball (forearms) high back to A.
3. A sets to B, high and in front of B’s hitting shoulder.
4. B hits a controlled ball at A’s waist.
5. A digs the ball to B, then B sets to A.
6. A hits to B. Keep going: every contact alternates between partners (dig, set, hit).

Simplest beginner version (“pass-set-catch”): A tosses, B passes to A, A sets back to B, B catches. Then swap.

Switch partners halfway through.

Scoring

Count contacts in a row (or full dig-set-hit cycles) without the ball touching the floor. Try to beat your record each round.

Safety

Keep pairs spread out so a stray ball doesn't hit another group, and don't chase balls into another pair's space. Warm up your shoulders before hitting (Warm-Up).

Health note: General information, not medical advice. Young athletes should train under a qualified coach, and anyone with pain or an injury should see a doctor or physical therapist.

Watch: how to pepper as a warm-up

Video: Elevate Yourself on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.

Coaching this drill

What success looks like

A controlled rally: every contact gives your partner a ball they can play without lunging. The dig goes high enough to set, the set drops in front of the hitting shoulder, and the hit arrives at your partner's waist. Count full dig-set-hit cycles, not just touches.

One cue

“Control, not power.” The hit should be one your partner can dig.

One common error

Hitting too hard. The rally ends after two touches. Adjustment: hit at 50–60% speed, aimed at your partner's waist.

Make it easier

Go back to pass-set-catch, then pass-set-pass with no hit.

Make it harder

If you have a net, pepper over it: partners on opposite sides, so it plays like a real rally.

When to progress

A practice suggestion for your pair: add the hit when you can keep pass-set-catch going for about 10 rounds with few dropped balls, and make it harder when you regularly reach about 5 full dig-set-hit cycles in a row. Adjust the numbers to your level; if rallies keep ending in two touches, go back one version.

More cues and common mistakes

• “Set your partner high.” A higher set gives your partner time to hit. Flat, fast sets make your partner chase the ball: set high with a soft arc so it drops just in front of your partner's hitting shoulder.
• “Feet to the ball.” Move first so the ball arrives in front of you.
• “Talk.” Say “mine” or the skill you're doing (“set,” “hit”).
• Standing too close. No time to react. Fix: back up to 4–6 m.
• Flat-footed digs. Fix: be in a low ready stance before your partner hits.

More ways to make it easier or harder

• Easier: Allow one bounce between contacts.
• Harder: Hit harder down balls or standing spikes.
• Harder: Three-person pepper: one player hits, one digs, one sets; rotate positions every few minutes.
• Harder (advanced players): Only one-armed passes or digs, or count only perfect contacts.

Frequently asked questions