How to practice against pushing.

[ktncnttl]

When you practice with a hitting partner what do you do? Chances are you trade topspin or flat shots from the baseline hitting as hard as you can. Maybe hit some volleys and some serves. What is missing here? You never practice against paceless underspin pushing shots. Thats why people fare so badly against pushers. It is not because pushing is a superior strategy but only because most amateurs never practice against pushing. People are so used to the idea that tennis is supposed to be all about power that practicing against pushing shots is generally ignored or even despised. How could you not lose to a pusher if you have never spent time practicing how to hit a paceless underspin ball?
Even if you wanted to practice hitting a paceless underspin ball it would be very difficult to find an opponent willing to give you paceless underspin balls to hit (unless you pay him good money.) Afterall no worthy man or woman would hit a paceless underspin ball purposely during practice. What am I to do? You can't practice hitting a paceless underspin ball against a wall neither cos a paceless underspin ball doesn't bounce well off a wall.

 

[goober]

ball machine set on underspin and low pace?

Just play alot matches(tournaments, leagues) and you will run across plenty of these types below 4.0 level. Or go to your club and look who is playing this style. Ask these opponents to play matches or to hit around.

 

[ktncnttl]

The problem is even pushers hit hard during practices.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

When you practice with a hitting partner what do you do? Chances are you trade topspin or flat shots from the baseline hitting as hard as you can. Maybe hit some volleys and some serves. What is missing here? You never practice against paceless underspin pushing shots. Thats why people fare so badly against pushers. It is not because pushing is a superior strategy but only because most amateurs never practice against pushing. People are so used to the idea that tennis is supposed to be all about power that practicing against pushing shots is generally ignored or even despised. How could you not lose to a pusher if you have never spent time practicing how to hit a paceless underspin ball?
Even if you wanted to practice hitting a paceless underspin ball it would be very difficult to find an opponent willing to give you paceless underspin balls to hit (unless you pay him good money.) Afterall no worthy man or woman would hit a paceless underspin ball purposely during practice. What am I to do? You can't practice hitting a paceless underspin ball against a wall neither cos a paceless underspin ball doesn't bounce well off a wall.

You can set a ball machine up on slow. Or better, go find a pusher to play against, there are plenty of them.

But I think a deeper matter is at hand when playing a pusher. a pushers ball should be putaway no matter if you practice against harder hitters or not. the key aspects in beating a pusher is to:

1. Know your rally pace

2. Develop excellent footwork and footspeed.

3. Learn how to hit drop shots and hit shots in such away that you can control the point. This laregly means you dont overhit.

Bottom-line, with pushers they will test your ability to get to the ball on time, setup, and make your adjustment steps so you can hit the ball well. Once you can do this, you might find beating a pusher isnt that hard. Most pushers leave you a lot of short balls. Most players never work on shot selection skills, overheads, serves, return of serves, drop shots, volleys, recognizing the short ball quickly, and other things that are critical in beating a pusher.

 

[Ares]

Wanna know the full proof way to beat a pusher? hit crosscourt with a steady pace. Hit it hard enough that you have full control and hit it sharp crosscourt. Dont look for winners, rather look to set up a winner after 3 or 4 of your shots. Forehand crosscourt to start the pull out wide, when the pusher gets it back, go crosscourt to the other corner. Work the corners until you can find a short one to approach on or put away with ease. I agree with BB up to the point about drop shots. Most people below the 5.0 level use the dropshots inappropriately and is usually a low percentage shot. Use the drop shot when at the net and your opponent is pinned deep... after a crosscourt shot. If you have confidence enough to hit a dropper effectively on purpose from the baseline you shouldnt be having troubles playing pushers. Problem most people have with pushers is they fall into their trap by dinking down the middle and being so careful that you cringe to hit the next shot. Relax and tell yourself, that if this guy is going to beat me, it will be on my terms! The next best thing to winning is losing and playing hard! Dont be afraid to lose, be afraid to lose looking like a pusher. Find a way, find a weakness.

How do you practice agains a pusher? Practice crosscourt! Find a consistent partner to hit with and spend 15 min hitting forehand cc, 15 min bh cc, 15 min fh down the line, 15 bh down the line. Try to keep the crosscourts deep for 10 shots, then try more and more angles. Then play 21 by starting a rally from the baseline. On the 4th shot start the point. Winners are worth 2 pts, everything else just 1pt. Remember, hit it crosscourt and work that opponent like a yoyo until you get an opening to either come in to the net or step in and put it away. Be honest with yourself during the practice. Are you hitting crosscourt effectively and confidently? If not, practice it more next time.

 

[PM_]

How do you practice against a pusher-honestly?
Play against a novice female whose only concern is to hit the ball back to you.
She'll give you plenty of practice to generate your own power.

 

[shindemac]

How do you play more pushers? Why don't you play them in a match instead of hitting around. I really think people should play more matches so that they can use what they practice. I mean what's the point if you play two different ways. Why practice so much if you aren't going to play like that.

 

[GuyClinch]

How do you practice against a pusher-honestly?
Play against a novice female whose only concern is to hit the ball back to you. She'll give you plenty of practice to generate your own power.

I have played quite a few women who play like that. But it's different then playing a "real" pusher. I played a real pusher for the first time this year.

The guys game was like this - he sliced EVERYTHING with a really aggressive biting slice (which is different then a flat push shot) he could hit all the angles and had a great lob. Even though he was an older guy he had good anticipation and could cover the court fairly well (and we were playing on clay).

That's alot different then playing a novice woman who usually hits a fairly flat shot and lets gravity bring it in. Playing a pusher is one of those easier said then done things.

The logical thing to do is go to the net but you need to have a good volley and good overheads to make that work. And those are shots you don't really practice that often normally.

Pete

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Wanna know the full proof way to beat a pusher? hit crosscourt with a steady pace. Hit it hard enough that you have full control and hit it sharp crosscourt. Dont look for winners, rather look to set up a winner after 3 or 4 of your shots. Forehand crosscourt to start the pull out wide, when the pusher gets it back, go crosscourt to the other corner. Work the corners until you can find a short one to approach on or put away with ease. I agree with BB up to the point about drop shots. Most people below the 5.0 level use the dropshots inappropriately and is usually a low percentage shot. Use the drop shot when at the net and your opponent is pinned deep... after a crosscourt shot. If you have confidence enough to hit a dropper effectively on purpose from the baseline you shouldnt be having troubles playing pushers. Problem most people have with pushers is they fall into their trap by dinking down the middle and being so careful that you cringe to hit the next shot. Relax and tell yourself, that if this guy is going to beat me, it will be on my terms! The next best thing to winning is losing and playing hard! Dont be afraid to lose, be afraid to lose looking like a pusher. Find a way, find a weakness.

How do you practice agains a pusher? Practice crosscourt! Find a consistent partner to hit with and spend 15 min hitting forehand cc, 15 min bh cc, 15 min fh down the line, 15 bh down the line. Try to keep the crosscourts deep for 10 shots, then try more and more angles. Then play 21 by starting a rally from the baseline. On the 4th shot start the point. Winners are worth 2 pts, everything else just 1pt. Remember, hit it crosscourt and work that opponent like a yoyo until you get an opening to either come in to the net or step in and put it away. Be honest with yourself during the practice. Are you hitting crosscourt effectively and confidently? If not, practice it more next time.

The point about drop shots is not to hit winners or perfect droppers that the pusher can't get to. That is a tall order. The purpose of drop shots or "short shots" is to bring the pusher to net.

Almost every pusher does not feel at home at net and that is a strategy that should be employed at any level. With a pusher at net a majority of them do not hit a penetrating volley which gives a player ample time to either pass, hit through, or lob.

Irregardless of whether the person can "pull" off the shot, hitting the right shot at the right time is paramount to beating a pusher. If a person hit the right shot and didnt execute it properly that can be practiced.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Wanna know the full proof way to beat a pusher? hit crosscourt with a steady pace. Hit it hard enough that you have full control and hit it sharp crosscourt. Dont look for winners, rather look to set up a winner after 3 or 4 of your shots. Forehand crosscourt to start the pull out wide, when the pusher gets it back, go crosscourt to the other corner. Work the corners until you can find a short one to approach on or put away with ease.

Well this is one strategy that can help. Hardly fool proof. The point in playing a pusher is even shots down the middle can give you the short ball if you hit penetrating shots. This is an execution situation which means the player is able to sustain a pace good enough and long enough to keep the pusher on their heels. Dont know too many of them below 4.5.

I agree with BB up to the point about drop shots. Most people below the 5.0 level use the dropshots inappropriately and is usually a low percentage shot. Use the drop shot when at the net and your opponent is pinned deep... after a crosscourt shot. If you have confidence enough to hit a dropper effectively on purpose from the baseline you shouldnt be having troubles playing pushers.

I can see your point but I think your missing mine. Also, the tactic of hitting a drop shot to bring a pusher in to net is a long standing strategy that plays well into those that can execute this. I disagree with you that players below 5.0 do not execute a drop shot well. There are many players at this level and below that have great short shots and drop shots. In fact, some of them have such a gift with them it is there best and almost only shot as a weapon.

The point about drop shots is not to hit winners or perfect droppers that the pusher can't get to. That is a tall order for anyone on the hard courts. The purpose of drop shots or "short shots" to clarify is to bring the pusher to net.

Almost every pusher does not feel at home at net and that is a strategy that should be employed at any level which now becomes a high percentage strategy. With a pusher at net a majority of them do not hit a penetrating volley which gives a player ample time to either pass, hit through, or lob.

Irregardless of whether the person can "pull" off the shot, hitting the right shot at the right time is paramount to beating a pusher. If a person hit the right shot and didnt execute it properly that can be practiced. This goes into your crosscourt strategy which is another strategy that can work provided the player has those strokes.

Problem most people have with pushers is they fall into their trap by dinking down the middle and being so careful that you cringe to hit the next shot.

Absolutely nothing wrong with employing a "down-the-middle and come-in" or "wait for the short ball" strategy. With a penetrating down-the-middle shot you dont give up as much angles for the pusher to push those little sharp shots and ultimately you around.

Relax and tell yourself, that if this guy is going to beat me, it will be on my terms! The next best thing to winning is losing and playing hard! Dont be afraid to lose, be afraid to lose looking like a pusher. Find a way, find a weakness.

Yes, this is a good one. Whether a player chooses a certain strategy over another will largely depend on:

1. Hitting out on the ball and within control.

2. The feet have to move efficiently and effectively. No feet, clumsy feet, lack of conditioning, etc, will cause a player to have a long day at the office against a pusher. It wont matter what strategy is in effect. If a player can not get to the ball early, in balance, and hit a smooth stroke, good night.

How do you practice agains a pusher? Practice crosscourt! Find a consistent partner to hit with and spend 15 min hitting forehand cc, 15 min bh cc, 15 min fh down the line, 15 bh down the line. Try to keep the crosscourts deep for 10 shots, then try more and more angles. Then play 21 by starting a rally from the baseline. On the 4th shot start the point. Winners are worth 2 pts, everything else just 1pt. Remember, hit it crosscourt and work that opponent like a yoyo until you get an opening to either come in to the net or step in and put it away. Be honest with yourself during the practice. Are you hitting crosscourt effectively and confidently? If not, practice it more next time.

Yeah, this is good but for certain players. A S&V player can do without the crosscourt. Also, on can certainly beat a pusher hitting penetrating balls down-the-middle. THe point is again, the feet have to move and the stroke needs to be hit with power and control. It is usually the rally stroke that will help a full-stroke player beat the pusher along with his footwork.

 

[NoBadMojo]

pushers are an anomoly..other than in the more senior divisions, you only see them up to a 4.5 level or so...above that, and they tend to just get thumped. so considering that, pushers give lots of people fits. the main thing is to not overhit when you play a pusher because they dont give you much to generate your own pace with. if you have some variety in your game, you can get more spinny and hit highbounding groundstrokes to their backhand and come in behind them or otherwise try and get them running side to side and also up and back because they wish to control the points and dont like it when you are jerking them about. this is a better ploy than trying to generate all the pace because that usually leads to lots of erors. like BB sez, pushers often do not like to be anywhere near the net, so mix things up and hit short to force them in, hit an occassonal drop shot and if they get it lob over their head..stuff like that often really gets under a pushers skin and it is fun to aggravate a pusher ;O the main thing is to not get impatient and not overhit..be prepared to hit more balls than usual, and dont let a bad point lead to another and then another

 

[stc9357]

I have played quite a few women who play like that. But it's different then playing a "real" pusher. I played a real pusher for the first time this year.

The guys game was like this - he sliced EVERYTHING with a really aggressive biting slice (which is different then a flat push shot) he could hit all the angles and had a great lob. Even though he was an older guy he had good anticipation and could cover the court fairly well (and we were playing on clay).

That's alot different then playing a novice woman who usually hits a fairly flat shot and lets gravity bring it in. Playing a pusher is one of those easier said then done things.

The logical thing to do is go to the net but you need to have a good volley and good overheads to make that work. And those are shots you don't really practice that often normally.

Pete

The funny thing is my friend plays like that but I usually beat him 6-2 6-2 or 6-3 6-2. He gives me great practice against pusher types. Also in practice he doesn't hit like taht at all he hits topspin balls and pounds but when he gets in a match he becomes a pusher. I lost to a pusher about 3 weeks ago a guy who hit with a western forehand and just got everything back in. Next time I play some one like that I will attack the forehand because it was consistently usually landing just one the service line. Should have atacked and come to net but as they say losing sometimes makes you better.

 

[GuyClinch]

The funny thing is my friend plays like that but I usually beat him 6-2 6-2 or 6-3 6-2. He gives me great practice against pusher types. Also in practice he doesn't hit like taht at all he hits topspin balls and pounds but when he gets in a match he becomes a pusher. I lost to a pusher about 3 weeks ago a guy who hit with a western forehand and just got everything back in. Next time I play some one like that I will attack the forehand because it was consistently usually landing just one the service line. Should have atacked and come to net but as they say losing sometimes makes you better.

A topspin pusher eh? I never hit with one of those but I have seen quite a few. Not to be too stereotypical but its often an asian guy who hits with a very western grip and gets tons of spin but hardly any pace or penetration on their shots.

I think the whole "pusher" phrase is kind of vague. You have your moonballers - and I have hit with a girl who played this kind of game SOME topspin but really consistent and deep shots with good control.

Then you have your "slicer" and that's what I consider a real pusher because it's their real strategy it's not just that they don't have the form down quite yet. They hit all kinds of slices shots w/great angles and have a very accurate lob to slow your net attacks. They often have a real serve w/spin not just some low push. I think this is how tennis was actually taught years ago. You see I think the moonballer and the guys with too much topspin want to hit better shots. But the slicer guy - they are playing their game. I always looked forward to playing this kind of guy but its much harder to beat them then you might think. It's weird.

And then of course you have your "I don't really know how to play tennis" type and that's the female novice the guy before was referring too. They don't use spin at all per se and just push the ball back and usually a push serve. I don't think that's good at preparing you for types 1 and 2 or even the rare "excess topspin" guys.

Unfortunately my new partner is a flat "kill the ball" young guy so I don't get hardly any practice with pushers. I actually like playing pushers because they are so consistent. At my low level it's more fun. The kill the ball guys just hit winners or hit it out. That kinda sucks if you play on courts that don't have those divider things.

Pete

 

[adamc637]

I have played quite a few women who play like that. But it's different then playing a "real" pusher. I played a real pusher for the first time this year.

The guys game was like this - he sliced EVERYTHING with a really aggressive biting slice (which is different then a flat push shot) he could hit all the angles and had a great lob. Even though he was an older guy he had good anticipation and could cover the court fairly well (and we were playing on clay).

That's alot different then playing a novice woman who usually hits a fairly flat shot and lets gravity bring it in. Playing a pusher is one of those easier said then done things.

The logical thing to do is go to the net but you need to have a good volley and good overheads to make that work. And those are shots you don't really practice that often normally.

Pete

How is this guy a pusher? He is playing his game, an aggressive slice with angle. There are many different ways to play tennis, and this one can be particularly effective.

Anyways, I think the people here have given you the library of pusher-annihilation. Just have confidence in your shots, because if you tense up, it is all over. And if you have no shots (not you specifically), then it's time to work a little.

 

[GuyClinch]

How is this guy a pusher? He is playing his game, an aggressive slice with angle. There are many different ways to play tennis, and this one can be particularly effective.

Now I would agree with you. However the thinking is that guys who don't try to use pace (at his level) are pushers. That's why you will hear that Leyton Hewitt is a "pusher" because he isn't aggressively using pace in his ground strokes.

Frankly I don't believe that these guys and girls who don't use ANY kind of spin are winning at the 4.5 level if that's how you catergorize a pusher.

pete

 

[Bungalo Bill]

Now I would agree with you. However the thinking is that guys who don't try to use pace (at his level) are pushers. That's why you will hear that Leyton Hewitt is a "pusher" because he isn't aggressively using pace in his ground strokes.

Frankly I don't believe that these guys and girls who don't use ANY kind of spin are winning at the 4.5 level if that's how you catergorize a pusher.

pete

There are pushers that can put some pop in the ball. Pushing has more to do with the strojke technique used to hit the ball then the results of the technique.

Hewitt is far from being a pusher. Hewitt is an extremely smart, well conditioned baseliner that can take full swings at the ball and hit with pace, angle, depth, spin, control, and placement. He is not a pusher. He is also not too bad at doubles.

 

[tom-selleck]

was just thinking of this.... hit with some different guys on the weekend and with two of them i hit everything as hard as i can. just rip the ball. but then when you get in a match, you don't hit that hard and you have no feel for the ball.

i agree should practice at slower speed.

and i think you should mix up pace, placement and spin to set up your big shots... not that i do it myself.

 

[Ares]

The point about drop shots is not to hit winners or perfect droppers that the pusher can't get to. That is a tall order. The purpose of drop shots or "short shots" is to bring the pusher to net.

Almost every pusher does not feel at home at net and that is a strategy that should be employed at any level. With a pusher at net a majority of them do not hit a penetrating volley which gives a player ample time to either pass, hit through, or lob.

Irregardless of whether the person can "pull" off the shot, hitting the right shot at the right time is paramount to beating a pusher. If a person hit the right shot and didnt execute it properly that can be practiced.

BB, I enjoy your reading your posts and find them very helpful to many here including myself. But, I respectfully disagree with your suggestions of the drop shot and the down the middle shot. Im sorry in advance for this being so long.

My interpretation of a drop shot is an attempt to hit a ball short as a winner. So that it bounces twice before the opponent can reach it. Bad idea. Hit it too short and its in the net. Too long and it’s a sitting duck that even a pusher can either put away or put you on the run. BB, ask how many of your 4.5 students practice the drop shot. I would bet 99% say they don’t. If they say they do, they aren’t telling the truth. And even though pushers may be uneasy at the net, they still will get a racket on it. Plus, your playing a pusher, so your mental status is altered and you have already experienced hitting shots long buy either mishit, crappy footwork (I agree with BB here), or lack of confidence and as one would expect your passing shots aint too precise and are also floating long or in the net. If what you meant is to hit a shallow shot, then maybe you could explore bringing the pusher to the net by hitting a short slice backhand, down the line or cross court. This will keep the ball low enough and cause the pusher to work. But once hes up there, this is forcing you to make a shot that, if you are having trouble with a pusher, you will have trouble executing (a winner: passing shot or lob).

 

[Ares]

Absolutely nothing wrong with employing a "down-the-middle and come-in" or "wait for the short ball" strategy. With a penetrating down-the-middle shot you dont give up as much angles for the pusher to push those little sharp shots and ultimately you around.

Hitting a penetrating down the middle shot can be effective at times, but more often than not, it will only add fuel to the fire. If you are of sound mind to hit it deep, you shouldn’t be hitting down the middle as part of your strategy. You think a down the middle shot is going to threaten a pusher? I think not. Sure, it cuts off angles. Who cares? You want to win the point, not get into a dink contest down the middle with some retired lawyer. I’d rather charge for feeding balls. Get the old fart running. Hitting crosscourt and moving him like a yoyo from one corner to the next will open up more opportunities for either him to make an error or you to find an opportunity for a high percentage winner. You want to hit the ball where he’s not, so make the area where he’s not bigger. Crosscrout will do this, down the middle will not.

Serve and volley is a good choice as BB recommends. If you can do it well enough. But, you eventually will have to return… right?

Practice crosscourt! Give the drills I suggested earlier a try. You got nothing to lose since your losing to the pushers already. Learn it, Love it, Live it.

 

[shindemac]

I love doing dropshots during matches. I don't know why, but it's so easy to do when you're already so tensed up. Hit the ball with as little power as possible and watch them run up. Then lob over them. It really tests their footspeed and fitness. You may not always get winners off them, but you can also force an error or an easy return which is just as good. I think that's also the purpose of a dropshot, to make them off balance. I guess when you're young, most everyone is pretty fast. But this old guy I hit around with had really slow footspeed. Now he would have been the perfect opponent to do the dropshot against LOL.

 

[Ares]

Yup, its a great shot... if you make it. If you make it, it not only changes the dynamics of the point, but gives you the advantage of surprise. The only time I would suggest using it is if your up 40 or 40-15. My whole point is that when your playing a mentally challenging match, stick with the percentage shots as much as possible. Its like starting a true freshman quarterback beginning of the year. Let him get some confidence by handing the ball to the trusting tail back, then throwing some easy post routes, curls, etc. Let yourself get comfortable, then voila when you see your receiver is in man coverage... lets play catch down field. All Im saying is against a mental and physical demanding match with these guys that seem to get everything back with no pace, pull him out wide and get him running. When your warming up, hit a sharp cross courts (say oops so you dont look like an idiot for hitting winners warming up... man I hate that) so that you get a feel for it. Also, when on defense the best shot is.... crosscourt. This advice is free by the way. LOL


I dont play tennis by the way. I slept at a Holiday-Inn Express last night.

 

[GuyClinch]

Hewitt is far from being a pusher. Hewitt is an extremely smart, well conditioned baseliner that can take full swings at the ball and hit with pace, angle, depth, spin, control, and placement. He is not a pusher. He is also not too bad at doubles.

Well the "old-school" definition of a pusher is someone who hits the ball with incorrect strokes. However nowadays when people refer to a pusher they are often talking about a guy who doesn't try to hit winners but instead waits for his opponents to make mistakes. That's why Hewitt falls into that category.

These guys get thrown under the "pusher" umbrella. Whether you think that's fair or not is a different issue. I don't want to argue semantics.

Pete

 

[Slice Approach]

I think NoBadMojo gave some great advice on how to play a pusher. I don't have much to add other than to mix up your pace, spin, and depth. Don't let him get into a groove by hitting the same type of shot every time (you will be there all day). Remember, you are going to have plenty of time to get in position and line up your shots because most pushers hit with very little pace. So relax, it is much more difficult to play against a good 4.5 or 5.0 player that hits it deep with lots of pace and spin in addition to being consistent.

As far as practicing to play pushers, I would get your hitting partner to just block back all the balls you hit to him. Try to hit topspin angles to draw him off the court if possible. Practice attacking any short balls by either putting them away or hitting a quality appoach shot which sets up an easy volley or overhead.