The single player on one side digs to themself, sets to themself and hits a down ball deep over the net to the other side. 

The other two play the ball out with one digging to their partner, the other setting back to them and the hitter hits it back cross court towards the single player. 

You can make this a "controlled drill" or what some call a cooperative drill where all the players hit right to each other trying not to make each other move but still hitting the ball with pace. 

If done this way the pepper partner players can set a goal as to how many touches or how many times the ball has to cross the net before they can finish the drill. 

Working on 

• cross court hitting technique
• down ball hitting
• back row attacking

ball control while in the air if you add a spike approach to each hit

Here’s a variation of this popular volleyball pepper drill that keeps two players moving at ALL times.

DEFENSE

Hitter stays while only the digger and setter switch after each touch.

Moving from setter to digger working on a quick back pedal with fast feet .. . moving until hitter begins their armswing...

...then being STOPPED in a balanced position .. .. before you dig.

During our December practices, I've been challenging my Vegas Volley players with this advanced variation.

It combines quick reactions with precise ball control - exactly what you need in actual game situations.

For a different variation of your partner volleyball pepper drill ..try a one hand jump set .. then hit to your partner like we do to vary our ball control warmup skills in Breakfast Club.

Can you do this?

Try a one handed set ... set yourself a two ball.. then hit to your partner. (Watch out Carm!)

In Breakfast Club Working on keeping elbow high and swinging fast .. while still controlling the ball to your target.

Too easy? Then.. add the last two steps of your approach jump before hitting to your partner

During our December practices, I've been challenging my Vegas Volley players with this advanced variation.

It combines quick reactions with precise ball control - exactly what you need in actual game situations.

These pepper drill variations are more than just warm-up exercises - they're skill-building sequences that improve your ball control, reaction time, and overall court awareness. I use these same progressions in my Breakfast Club sessions and with my Vegas Volley teams because they work.

Want to develop more volleyball fundamentals?

Check out my articles on 'Ball Control Drills for Volleyball Players' and 'Setting Drills That Actually Work' for more training techniques you can add to your practice routine.

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I share the same advice I give my daily private clients and Vegas Volley players - information that can help improve your game.

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I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 

The Volleyball Pepper Drill: 
Where Do You Go From Here?

Your three options are: 

1. You can learn more about Drills by visiting the Related Links below.  
2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page  Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the How to Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started.