A strong short game starts with touch. In fast rallies near the net, tiny adjustments decide who wins the point. These 12 drills focus on feel, control, and precision. They’re practical, repeatable, and adaptable to most skill levels. Work them into a focused practice block, not as a one off session. Small improvements add up over time.
The short game hinges on rhythm, placement, and anticipation. You’ll build all three with consistent repetition and mindful feedback. Below you’ll find each drill, what to do, and how it helps your touch at the table.
12 Drills for Better Touch
Drill 1: Short Serve Return Touch Drill
This drill locks in the feel of a short return and trains you to react quickly.
- Setup: A practice partner or multi ball feeder uses serves that barely clear the net. Position close to the table.
- Execution: Focus on returning with a soft touch, keeping the ball low and close to the net. Aim for consistent depth rather than speed.
- Focus points: Contact point, paddle angle, and a light wrist motion that just redirects the ball.
- Progression: Increase pace slightly while maintaining control. Move from forehand to backhand returns without breaking rhythm.
- Why it helps: It builds trust in your touch on the return and cuts out long, unsafe shots.
Drill 2: Target Pushes to Specific Zones
Precision matters on every short exchange. This drill roots you in exact placement.
- Setup: Place small targets on the table at the forehand corner, the middle area, and the backhand edge.
- Execution: From a short stance, push toward each target with a consistent tempo. Alternate sides so you cover the whole width of the table.
- Focus points: Short contact time, flat push without heavy spin, and keeping the ball low.
- Progression: Add a second ball for a quick cross exchange and work on choosing the right target under pressure.
- Why it helps: Consistent target work translates to reliable net play and smart shot selection.
Drill 3: Precision Push and Pause
A pause introduces control and timing into every exchange.
- Setup: A single ball feeder or partner feeds slow balls to your table, you pocket them near the net.
- Execution: Push lightly, then pause for a moment before the next shot. Keep the ball low and short on every touch.
- Focus points: Timing of the pause, shoulder and elbow alignment, and a compact swing.
- Progression: Shorten the pause gradually while preserving touch, or vary the height slightly to simulate different returns.
- Why it helps: It trains your ability to control the pace and length of each shot.
Drill 4: Forehand and Backhand Short Exchange
Balancing both wings is key for a deceptive short game.
- Setup: Two targets are placed diagonally across the net. You simulate a real net exchange with a partner feeding easy balls.
- Execution: Start with forehand pushes, then switch to backhand, keeping every stroke short.
- Focus points: Equal weight on both sides, compact strokes, and quick recovery to ready position.
- Progression: Increase the speed while preserving the same short contact.
- Why it helps: It builds comfort across the table and makes your short game harder to read.
Drill 5: Net Drive and Return
Close to the net, a controlled drive can open a path for a winning shot.
- Setup: Ball feeder supplies soft, fast balls just over the net on your side.
- Execution: Drive the ball lightly into the opponent’s side, then brush back into a short touch to reset.
- Focus points: Net height, angle control, and smooth recovery to ready stance.
- Progression: Add variety with occasional soft backspin to challenge timing.
- Why it helps: It teaches you to mix speed with touch to keep opponents guessing.
Drill 6: Slow Spin Control
Spin control near the net is a high value skill for many matches.
- Setup: A feeder sends slow, controlled spin balls to you.
- Execution: Focus on absorbing the spin with a calm three-quarter contact and return with a short, flat stroke.
- Focus points: Paddle positioning, angle of attack, and how your wrist absorbs spin.
- Progression: Increase spin complexity gradually while maintaining short returns.
- Why it helps: You’ll handle a wide range of spins with confidence, reducing errors.
Drill 7: Short Flick Reel
Flicks at the table can surprise opponents who expect pushes.
- Setup: Balls land a touch higher than the net on your side.
- Execution: Practice short forehand and backhand flicks with a quick wrist snap. Keep the motion compact and vertical.
- Focus points: Contact height, timing of the flick, and follow through.
- Progression: Alternate flicks with subtle topspin to keep returns lively.
- Why it helps: It adds a versatile weapon on the edge of the table without sacrificing control.
Drill 8: Push to Spin Rhythm
Understanding how to combine push and spin keeps rallies dynamic.
- Setup: Feed slow backspin and sidespin balls to your side.
- Execution: Push the ball while imparting the lightest spin possible, then adapt by brushing contact to alter spin as needed.
- Focus points: Spin management, paddle angle, and staying relaxed.
- Progression: Increase difficulty by feeding mixed spins and adjusting your push height.
- Why it helps: Spin control becomes a reliable tool rather than a guessing game.
Drill 9: Short Crosscourt Exchange
Crosscourt exchanges create angles that pressure opponents.
- Setup: You and a partner alternate short crosscourt pushes.
- Execution: Keep shots low and near the sideline, forcing your partner to move and touch the ball with precision.
- Focus points: Body position, footwork, and consistent contact distant from the center line.
- Progression: Add brief net serves between exchanges to simulate real match dynamics.
- Why it helps: It trains you to create and exploit angles with calm, precise strokes.
Drill 10: Two Ball Close Net Drill
Two balls close to the net test your focus and quick decision making.
- Setup: A partner feeds two balls in quick succession near the net.
- Execution: Return each ball with a short touch; keep your returns tight and consistent.
- Focus points: Eye on the ball, quick grip on the paddle, and swift recovery.
- Progression: Increase pace and vary the height of the two balls.
- Why it helps: It boosts reaction speed and the habit of finishing with controlled finishes around the net.
Drill 11: Backhand Only Short Game
Shifting to one side reveals gaps in your touch and consistency.
- Setup: A feeder or coach feeds balls to your backhand side only.
- Execution: Build a sequence of short backhand pushes and small variations in depth.
- Focus points: Backhand technique, grip stability, and smooth follow through.
- Progression: Move to mixed backhand pushes with occasional soft topspin.
- Why it helps: It strengthens a less dominant wing and creates weapon parity in your game.
Drill 12: Close-to-Net Finish
Finish points with confidence by sharpening your closing touch.
- Setup: Balls bounce just over the net, fed at different angles.
- Execution: End the rally with a short, precise shot that lands in a small target area on the opponent’s side.
- Focus points: Timing, a tight contact zone, and consistent speed control.
- Progression: Vary the target to simulate different finishing possibilities.
- Why it helps: It builds a reliable closeout finish that wins points without overhitting.
How to Structure Your Short Game Practice
- Warm up with five minutes of light rallies near the net. Focus on feel, not power.
- Do the 12 drills in blocks. Spend 8 to 12 minutes on each drill, depending on your level.
- After each drill, take a minute to reflect on what felt better and what still caused hesitation.
- Finish with a short “live” rally that emphasizes touch rather than speed.
Consistency matters more than intensity. If you practice with focus three times a week, you will notice improvements in a few weeks. Keep a simple log of what you worked on and the outcomes. Small notes like “felt more control on backhand pushes” help you track progress over time.
Building a Practical Practice Plan
- Start with the basics. Prioritize drills 1, 2, and 3 for the first two weeks.
- Add variety. Introduce drills 4 through 6 in the next two weeks to balance touch and placement.
- Progress gradually. Bring in drills 7 through 9 as your confidence grows with control.
- Finish strong. Use drills 10 through 12 to solidify finishing touch.
A simple weekly template can look like this:
- Monday: Drills 1-3
- Wednesday: Drills 4-6
- Friday: Drills 7-9
- Saturday: Drills 10-12
You can adapt the schedule to fit your routine. The key is steady repetition and clear goals for each session. Always end with a focused reflection on what improved and what needs more work.
Equipment and Setup Tips
- Use a consistent ball type and paddle. Variations in equipment can mask actual progress.
- Set up targets at realistic distances and angles. They guide your attention to placement, not just speed.
- Keep the net height steady. A changing net can throw off timing and feel.
- Use a timer. A fixed practice window helps you stay disciplined and measure progress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading on power. Short game work should emphasize touch and placement, not speed.
- Forgetting recovery. Quick return to ready position matters as much as the shot itself.
- Neglecting spin management. Even near the net, spin can derail a touch shot if you don’t read it well.
- Ignoring feedback. If something doesn’t feel right after several reps, adjust your stance or paddle angle.
The Takeaway
Touch in the short game is a mindset as much as a technique. These drills build a repertoire of controlled options you can pull from in any rally near the table. By treating each drill as a tiny puzzle, you’ll assemble a more reliable net game and better finishing shots.
To get the most from this program, pair drills with quick feedback. Ask a partner to tell you when your ball sits too high or travels too fast. Use that information to adjust your grip, stance, and timing. Over time, your shorts passes and net plays will feel natural, almost automatic.
Conclusion
Developing a precise short game takes intention and patience. With these 12 drills, you’ll sharpen touch, improve placement, and build confidence in tight exchanges. Start with a clear plan, practice with consistent effort, and track your progress. The payoff appears in every match when you can finish points close to the net with calm, accurate strokes. Stay focused on the feel of each contact, and your net game will become a reliable weapon you can rely on in any situation.