Pepper
The classic partner warm-up: pass, set, hit — then the partner digs and the pattern continues. Builds ball control on every contact.
- Focus
- Ball control: passing, setting, hitting and digging
- Level
- Beginner
- Players
- 2 per ball
- Equipment
- 1 ball per pair
- Time
- 8–12 min
Side view
Side view: the hitter sends a controlled down-ball, the partner digs it high, and the cycle repeats.
📍 Setup
Partners stand about 5–6 m apart on the same side of the net.
🪜 How to run it
- Player A passes to player B.
- B sets the ball back to A, high and in front.
- A hits a controlled down-ball at B.
- B digs it back up to A — and A now sets it to themself or back to B, depending on the version.
- Keep the rally going: dig, set, hit on each side.
🏆 Scoring
Count contacts in a row. Beat your pair’s record each round.
🧑🏫 Coaching this drill
What success looks like
Every ball is controllable: digs go up and forward, sets are high, hits are aimed at the partner.
Coaching cues
“Dig up, not out”“Hit to your partner, not past them”“Talk: “dig, set, hit””
Common mistakes
- Hitting too hard too early. Fix: Start at 50% power. The goal is a long rally, not winning the point.
- Digs that fly backwards. Fix: Keep the platform angled forward and absorb the ball with soft arms.
➖ Make it easier
Replace the hit with a two-handed overhead throw.
➕ Make it harder
Add a “cut” or tip every third ball, or play three-person pepper.
When to move on
When you can keep 20 contacts going, increase hitting power or distance.