Master the Sand: 5 Proven Doubles Drills to Boost Your Beach Volleyball Score

The sand can be a cruel teacher, but it also gives you the chance to turn every mistake into a point. If you’re tired of watching the scoreboard climb while you’re stuck at the net, these five drills will give you the muscle memory and teamwork you need to start winning more games right now.

1. The “Two‑Man Pepper” – Keep the Ball Alive

What it is

Pepper is the classic volleyball warm‑up where two players hit the ball back and forth without letting it touch the ground. In doubles we add a twist: each player must use both forearms and hands in a set pattern – forearm pass, hand set, forearm pass, hand set – and never let the ball drop.

Why it works

Repeating the same sequence forces you to focus on footwork and hand placement. It also builds trust because you learn exactly how hard your partner can set and how fast you need to move to receive it.

How to run it

1. Stand about three meters apart on a flat patch of sand.
2. Start with a forearm pass, then a hand set, repeat.
3. After 30 seconds, switch roles so the other player leads the first pass.
4. Keep the rhythm steady; if the ball drops, start over.

Pro tip from Sandy Spike

I used to get frustrated when my partner’s set was too soft. The trick is to call out “soft” or “hard” before the set, so you both adjust on the fly. It sounds silly, but the extra communication cuts the error rate in half.

2. The “Cross‑Court Shuffle” – Master the Angles

What it is

In doubles you spend most of the match moving side‑to‑side. This drill forces you to shuffle quickly while keeping your eyes on the ball.

Why it works

It builds the quick, low‑to‑the‑ground steps you need to cover the whole court. It also teaches you how to read the opponent’s hit and move to the right spot before the ball lands.

How to run it

1. Place two cones about five meters apart on each side of the net.
2. Player A starts at the left cone, Player B at the right.
3. A coach or a third player tosses the ball to the opposite side of the net.
4. Both players sprint to the opposite cone, receive the ball, and set it back.
5. Repeat for 10 minutes, swapping starting sides after each round.

Pro tip from Sandy Spike

When you feel your legs burning, think “I’m just walking on sand, not running on pavement.” The sand naturally slows you down, so keep your steps short and stay on the balls of your feet.

3. The “Block‑and‑Cover” Drill – Build a Wall

What it is

Blocking is a team effort in doubles. One player jumps at the net while the other covers the tips of the block and the short balls that slip through.

Why it works

It teaches you timing, hand positioning, and how to read the hitter’s approach. It also shows the importance of the “cover” player staying ready for the second ball.

How to run it

1. Player A stands at the net ready to block, Player B stays a few steps back.
2. A coach spikes the ball toward the net.
3. Player A jumps and attempts a block.
4. Player B reads the ball’s trajectory and moves to dig any ball that comes off the block.
5. Switch roles after 10 spikes each.

Pro tip from Sandy Spike

I used to jump too early and miss the hitter’s timing. The secret is to watch the hitter’s shoulders – they give away the exact moment of contact. A split second later, you’re in the air.

4. The “Serve‑Receive Triangle” – Perfect the First Pass

What it is

A solid serve receive sets the tone for the whole rally. This drill uses three players to simulate real game pressure.

Why it works

It forces you to move quickly, read the server’s spin, and deliver a clean pass to the setter. The triangle shape keeps everyone engaged and mimics the angles you’ll face in a match.

How to run it

1. Player A serves from the end line.
2. Player B stands in the middle of the court, ready to receive.
3. Player C stands near the net as the setter.
4. After the serve, B passes to C, who sets to A for a quick attack.
5. Rotate positions after every five serves.

Pro tip from Sandy Spike

If the serve is too fast, I tell my partner “short and sweet” – aim for a short, high pass that’s easier to control. It’s better to have a perfect pass than a powerful one that goes out.

5. The “End‑Game Scrimmage” – Put It All Together

What it is

All the drills are great, but nothing beats a short, high‑intensity game that forces you to use every skill you just practiced.

Why it works

A scrimmage under timed conditions simulates tournament pressure. You’ll see where your communication breaks down and where your footwork shines.

How to run it

1. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
2. Play a normal doubles game, but every point must start with a serve‑receive pass that lands within a marked 2‑meter circle.
3. If the pass lands outside, the point is replayed.
4. Keep score and note any recurring mistakes.

Pro tip from Sandy Spike

During my first scrimmage after a week of drills, I kept forgetting to call the ball. A simple “mine” or “yours” before each hit saved us from a dozen lost points. It’s a tiny habit that makes a huge difference.

These five drills cover the core of doubles play: ball control, movement, blocking, serve receive, and game pressure. I’ve used them on the West Coast circuit and they’ve helped my partner and me climb from the middle of the pack to the top three in our division. Give them a try at your next practice, and you’ll feel the sand turning from an enemy into an ally.