Four Person Pepper – Ball Handling Drill

Originally Published in: The Volleyball Drill Book - Provided by: Human Kinetics

Because this drill is more game-like than the often-seen three-person pepper, it is an effective warm-up drill.

Purpose

To use a game-like ball-control drill as a means of warming up.

Setup

The court is split lengthwise using markers or tape. A setter and hitter begin at the net on side A and on side B. One digger is in the deep court with another digger directly behind. The coach and feeder are off the court near the net.

Run the Drill

1. Initiate the play with a tossed ball to the digger, who passes to the setter, who sets the hitter.

2. The hitter hits or makes a one- or two-handed throw (if necessary) to the digger on the other side of the net.

3. At this point, the hitter becomes the setter, and the setter becomes the hitter. They alternate with every ball that goes over the net, moving behind each other after the dig - not side by side.

4. Players attempt to sustain a continual sequence of dig, set, and hit with four players for a minimum of two minutes.

5. After a set number of balls, the diggers switch places with the hitter and setter.

Coaching Points

• Have beginners tip the ball with one hand or push the ball over with two hands at the digger until proficiency increases.

• Hitting skills should improve as players perform the skill more often. Have players practice tossing the ball to themselves and hitting it against the wall or to a partner to improve the skill.

Variation

Have players change from offense to defense without stopping play of the ball by move quickly right after the ball is hit over the net. This is a fun challenge. Walk through the transition a few times for beginners until it becomes natural.