How to Beat a Pusher

We have all played them, and we have all lost to them at some point. They’re like playing a human backboard.

They are the Pushers.

The reason most players don't like to play them is simple, they can't beat them. Well, if you can't beat them, why not join them...at least to a point.

The reason that the average pusher wins is by consistently getting the ball back and not committing unforced errors. They wait for you to make the error, winning the point without hitting a winner.

It's a fact; most points are won with errors, not with winners.

To win more points and matches, you must cut down on the errors and force the pusher to play more aggressive tennis, making them either hit winners or errors.

The first key is to hit the ball higher and deeper to your opponent. A tennis court is 78' long by 27' wide. That is a lot of ground to cover for your opponent if you are hitting it deep, while moving him around. If you can make your opponent hit more shots on the run, you increase the chance that they will make the unforced errors.

There are several things you can do to help you with your consistency.
1) When you are practicing, can you hit 10 in a row back? Work on being able to keep a rally going with balls hit deep.
2) Try to clear the net by at least 3' on ground strokes. This will reduce the chances of giving your opponent the point with a ball in the net.

3) Work on hitting more topspin. Hitting shots with more topspin lets you clear the net with more room and margin of error.
4) Work on hitting lobs. This is a great shot to have in your arsenal. When on the run, hitting a lob back will keep your opponent deep and allow you time to get set back up for their return.

Power is a good thing to have but is best used at the right times.

Taking a little power off of your shots will insure that more shots are hit in.

Remember, every shot hit out is a point for your opponent. Against a pusher, you are playing right into their hands by giving them free points. Take some power off your ground strokes to keep the ball in play, waiting to really crush the ball for when you really need it.

We know, against a pusher, it is tough not to hit the ball with everything you have (if even just to work out some frustration), but by keeping them deep and moving them around, you will win more points and more matches.

Maybe next time, you will beat them at their own game.