Played a pusher and won, but feel dirty afterwards

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that_was_just_out

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Just won my opening match in the club tournament straight sets, but I am the least excited or satisfied I've ever been with a win in my life.

Played a pusher extraordinaire, we're talking moonballs, no pace, retrieval mode 100%, I would dictate play with my forehand, corner to corner, he would just get a racquet on it and it would fall just over the net with no pace, or he would moonball it so high within five feet of the baseline it would bounce over my head and I'd flatten it out and the rally would start again. The few games I lost, it was 6-2, 6-3 was because I would crack forehands long on his short retrieval shots, that landed in the service box, no regrets, because I was playing my game.

Has it ever happened to anyone where they play pushers and just feel the joy of the game being sucked out of them win or lose? Why don't pushers grow up and take chances, try to put more mustard on their shots, go for some deep winners? God, it must be so depressing to be a pusher.

Pushers reading this, why are you making everyone else miserable? Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?
 
that_was_just_out said:
Has it ever happened to anyone where they play pushers and just feel the joy of the game being sucked out of them win or lose?
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Actually I feel quite the exact opposite when playing pushers. I love playing them since I can always dictate against them.

That's because they put no pressure on me, other than getting a lot of balls back. If I happen to hit a weaker ball than I was going for, I am not really going to be punished for it. So that means I can be patient and work the point until the time is right to come to net or go for the big winner.

Versus when playing another aggressive player I feel like I have to go for more risky shots and pull the trigger early, since if I don't my opponent will take the initiative in the point.

Most people who hate playing pushers feel that way because they are not able to play a controlled patient game, and they rely on their opponent making errors (which a pusher is not going to do), rather than setting up the point.
 
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OrangePower said:
Actually I feel quite the exact opposite when playing pushers. I love playing them since I can always dictate against them.

That's because they put no pressure on me, other than getting a lot of balls back. If I happen to hit a weaker ball than I was going for, I am not really going to be punished for it. So that means I can be patient and work the point until the time is right to come to net or go for the big winner.

Versus when playing another aggressive player I feel like I have to go for more risky shots and pull the trigger early, since if I don't my opponent will take the initiative in the point.

Most people who hate playing pushers feel that way because they are not able to play a controlled patient game, and they rely on their opponent making errors (which a pusher is not going to do), rather than setting up the point.
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Good points, maybe I'm just an adrenaline junkie or something, lol. I just don't get a rush playing pushers, the biggest danger in playing them is having them lull you to sleep and you get lazy. Whereas playing another hard hitter who puts pressure on you, there's no time to get lazy or you'll be finished right quick.
 
OrangePower said:
Actually I feel quite the exact opposite when playing pushers. I love playing them since I can always dictate against them.

That's because they put no pressure on me, other than getting a lot of balls back.
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Exactly.

and if you can't easily put away someone who plays like that, You will have serious problem when playing against someone who can hit winners.
 
I hate playing pushers, too. I can beat them OK but I have to agree with the OP, they suck the fun out of a match. I look at it like taking awful-tasting medicine to get well; it's just something I have to do to get to the next round in a tournament. I try to keep it impersonal and all business. Even though I know the points can drag on with pushers, I stay alert for any chances to end the points quicker.

Sometimes they get visibly frustrated that the only way they are able to play isn't working and then there is at least the mildly guilty pleasure of seeing a pusher have a mental meltdown.
 
that_was_just_out said:
...

Pushers reading this, why are you making everyone else miserable? Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?
Click to expand...
There are "pushers" at every level, including levels above yours. Usually, when someone beats you badly, you don't call them a pusher, but someone who's much better than you, might.
 
>>Pushers reading this, why are you making everyone else miserable? Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?<<

Up through 4.5 or so, pushing is a proven tactic. Keep the ball in play and wait for UE's. There is a big difference however in a weak player and a real pusher. A true pusher will hit shots that you cannot really attack. 4.5's and below are not going to make a living hitting clean winners off high bouncing moonballs behind the baseline or trying to hit overheads on deep lobs after they're come to net.
 
RetroSpin said:
>>Pushers reading this, why are you making everyone else miserable? Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?<<

Up through 4.5 or so, pushing is a proven tactic. Keep the ball in play and wait for UE's. There is a big difference however in a weak player and a real pusher. A true pusher will hit shots that you cannot really attack. 4.5's and below are not going to make a living hitting clean winners off high bouncing moonballs behind the baseline or trying to hit overheads on deep lobs after they're come to net.
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Above 4.5 it works too. I have a hitting partner who is 5.5 and wins 5.5 tourneys.....total pusher. Drives me nuts playing him because I have to play so aggressive and I usually still lose.
 
RetroSpin said:
>>Pushers reading this, why are you making everyone else miserable? Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?<<

Up through 4.5 or so, pushing is a proven tactic. Keep the ball in play and wait for UE's. There is a big difference however in a weak player and a real pusher. A true pusher will hit shots that you cannot really attack. 4.5's and below are not going to make a living hitting clean winners off high bouncing moonballs behind the baseline or trying to hit overheads on deep lobs after they're come to net.
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Yes, this is true. The pusher could just as easily say, "why do you want to go for too much, hit harder than you are capable of, and make error after error?"
 
that_was_just_out said:
Has it ever happened to anyone where they play pushers and just feel the joy of the game being sucked out of them win or lose?
Click to expand...
If someone knows they're playing a pusher, I doubt he/she springs out of bed 5 minutes before the alarm clock is set. But they exist - and have to be dealt with.

that_was_just_out said:
Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?
Click to expand...
Did you ever stop to think that they are playing to the best of their ability? Some people aren't blessed with great athletic genes - and thus they can't take huge swings/cuts at the ball and have any expectation of having it go in. So they take very short strokes and use their footwork and anticipation to keep the ball in play.

OrangePower said:
Actually I feel quite the exact opposite when playing pushers. I love playing them since I can always dictate against them.

That's because they put no pressure on me, other than getting a lot of balls back. ....
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As usual, you're the Voice of Reason around here. Better to play a pusher than some guy who crushes balls that give you no rhythm - and might have a real good day and blast one off the court. One just has to take some steam off their shots; move them around; wait for and put away the short ball. OP comes off as someone who feels entitled to a certain # of free points off opponent UEs.
 
roman40 said:
There are "pushers" at every level, including levels above yours. Usually, when someone beats you badly, you don't call them a pusher, but someone who's much better than you, might.
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Could not agree more with the above; I once played a set with a "pusher" of the highest order, would probably rate him about 4.5 to 5. He would get to all my balls with his granny stick and just made life difficult for me overall with balls that have absolutely no pace. I lost 6-0 and have only myself to blame for making too many unforced errors.
I see "pushing" as a legitimate tactic used by some players, and even though "normal" players do not like playing them, we just have to deal with it and find a solution.
 
At high levels pushers don't win.
Smart players might hold back and keep the ball in play, but imagine dinking the ball short to Nadal and hoping you can block the next one back.

I always enjoyed playing them and watching them sweat and fall over themselves. Kept me laughing inside. Pushers force you to have a complete game and learn how to close off points.
 
drgchen said:
At high levels pushers don't win.
Smart players might hold back and keep the ball in play, but imagine dinking the ball short to Nadal and hoping you can block the next one back.

I always enjoyed playing them and watching them sweat and fall over themselves. Kept me laughing inside. Pushers force you to have a complete game and learn how to close off points.
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well said at least 10 characters.
 
drgchen said:
At high levels pushers don't win.
Smart players might hold back and keep the ball in play, but imagine dinking the ball short to Nadal and hoping you can block the next one back.

I always enjoyed playing them and watching them sweat and fall over themselves. Kept me laughing inside. Pushers force you to have a complete game and learn how to close off points.
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Yup, there's nothing like having a well rounded game; all those volleys and overheads are great practice! But I remember when I was younger getting very frustrated with pushers so OP work on your game and you'll feel more positive about it all.
 
Egoista said:
because they enjoy winning the way they play......
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I think the point was, why do they enjoy playing that way.

The reason is because they suck and are extremely insecure losers who can't play any other way and have to win. You're right OP, it's very depressing.
 
rajah84 said:
I think the point was, why do they enjoy playing that way.

The reason is because they suck and are extremely insecure losers who can't play any other way and have to win. You're right OP, it's very depressing.
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I know this one pusher guy. He would seek out women to play against so he can win. He can't beat most of men who play at these courts. Unfortunately for him, the women have begun to beat him too.
 
I don't know about feeling dirty, but I find playing a true pusher is about the least enjoyable way to spend an hour or 2 on a tennis court. I just can't ever get into a rhythm against the type of player that hits a flat, hard serve and follows it up with nothing but slice, lobs or drop shots.
 
playing pushers is a very good practice i believe, it helps you find solutions and ways to finiash your points on your own without waiting for the UE
 
Mick said:
Exactly.

and if you can't easily put away someone who plays like that, You will have serious problem when playing against someone who can hit winners.
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Not really. People who have trouble playing pushers typically play better playing hard hitters, because they give them pace, rhythm and balls in their strike zone.
 
Side question:
Has anyone played a pusher with a BIG serve? Like a really really good serve that's too fast to time the return if you were 2 feet behind the baseline.
 
split-step said:
Side question:
Has anyone played a pusher with a BIG serve? Like a really really good serve that's too fast to time the return if you were 2 feet behind the baseline.
Click to expand...

That's an interesting concept. I've never run across what you describe. The closest was a pusher who tried to serve big but only about 10-15% of those big serves went in the box. They would have been winners if he had been able to move that big inconsistent serve around the box. But he could only hit his big bomb serve to one spot, so that serve didn't really help even when he got it in.
 
Playing a pusher can lead to a very frustrating match even if you are winning comfortably. However, I do allow myself a bit of a larger celebration on court when I win purely because they have annoyed me for around two hours :twisted:
 
split-step said:
Side question:
Has anyone played a pusher with a BIG serve? Like a really really good serve that's too fast to time the return if you were 2 feet behind the baseline.
Click to expand...

I do know one guy who I'd classify as a pusher who has a big 1st serve. But his 2nd serve is weak and more in line with the rest of his game stylistically.
 
Junior Prodigy said:
Playing a pusher can lead to a very frustrating match even if you are winning comfortably. However, I do allow myself a bit of a larger celebration on court when I win purely because they have annoyed me for around two hours :twisted:
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yeah but if it takes a long time for you to win, you probably push too.
If the other guy pushes, and you go for your winners, the match can't last too long :)
 
OrangePower said:
I do know one guy who I'd classify as a pusher who has a big 1st serve. But his 2nd serve is weak and more in line with the rest of his game stylistically.
Click to expand...

I have played a pusher with big serves... true the guy has more game than just a pusher... big 1st and a scary good second serve but like everyone he has off days. I return very well though so when Im having a good day he starts serving underhanded and chooses to push.. he's a 4.5, lefty...former teaching pro with impeccable strokes with superb hands and years of hitting dink shots at kids. He can hit a slice lob off of most any shot and he acknowledges what crappy stuff he's pulling.

It isnt fun and I generally like to run him all over the court in those situations, im in better shape and Ive found pushers stop pushing when they are out of breath. When winded he starts going for winners again.
 
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floridatennisdude said:
...with nothing but slice, lobs or drop shots.
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That's a junkballer. True pushers take a very abbreviated backswing (I've played some that might not take it back 12 inches), swing with very little acceleration - their sole purpose is to hit a ball back with plenty of net clearance but has no chance of going long or wide; they're waiting for you to overhit and cough up UEs. They use foot speed and anticipation to get to your next ball if you don't overhit.
 
I think calling another tennis player a pusher is an excuse for people to use when they can't beat the so called pusher or even if they do beat them...it's just to talk bad about the player because they made you beat them.

For me I'll use the pushing game if I see you don't have any patience. If you come and do as some will which is put the ball away I'll change up and do something else. I will lob you topspin you to death or whatever I need to do to get the W within the rules.

I played baseball until I was about 40 and some of them had the same God complex. "I can't hit the ball because it's so slow". Phil Niekro pitched until he was well into his 40's because they couldn't hit that knuckle ball. It would put batters into a slump for weeks. I have no problem with so called "pushers" being a pusher because I'll push it myself if you can't adjust. Pushing is a weapon just like a big forehand or a big serve.


that_was_just_out said:
Just won my opening match in the club tournament straight sets, but I am the least excited or satisfied I've ever been with a win in my life.

Played a pusher extraordinaire, we're talking moonballs, no pace, retrieval mode 100%, I would dictate play with my forehand, corner to corner, he would just get a racquet on it and it would fall just over the net with no pace, or he would moonball it so high within five feet of the baseline it would bounce over my head and I'd flatten it out and the rally would start again. The few games I lost, it was 6-2, 6-3 was because I would crack forehands long on his short retrieval shots, that landed in the service box, no regrets, because I was playing my game.

Has it ever happened to anyone where they play pushers and just feel the joy of the game being sucked out of them win or lose? Why don't pushers grow up and take chances, try to put more mustard on their shots, go for some deep winners? God, it must be so depressing to be a pusher.

Pushers reading this, why are you making everyone else miserable? Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?
Click to expand...
 
chatt_town said:
I think calling another tennis player a pusher is an excuse for people to use when they can't beat the so called pusher or even if they do beat them...it's just to talk bad about the player because they made you beat them....
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they are used to getting free points from their opponents but these pusher guys are so frugal, not only they don't want to give any free point but they also want to take away the points :)
 
Hehehe. Absolutely. They suck the fun out of tennis. For them it's not about the beauty of the sport but the competition.
Gotta respect them though it's just not the kind of tennis I enjoy. It is satisfying to beat one and feels terrible to lose to one.


that_was_just_out said:
Just won my opening match in the club tournament straight sets, but I am the least excited or satisfied I've ever been with a win in my life.

Played a pusher extraordinaire, we're talking moonballs, no pace, retrieval mode 100%, I would dictate play with my forehand, corner to corner, he would just get a racquet on it and it would fall just over the net with no pace, or he would moonball it so high within five feet of the baseline it would bounce over my head and I'd flatten it out and the rally would start again. The few games I lost, it was 6-2, 6-3 was because I would crack forehands long on his short retrieval shots, that landed in the service box, no regrets, because I was playing my game.

Has it ever happened to anyone where they play pushers and just feel the joy of the game being sucked out of them win or lose? Why don't pushers grow up and take chances, try to put more mustard on their shots, go for some deep winners? God, it must be so depressing to be a pusher.

Pushers reading this, why are you making everyone else miserable? Do you really expect to win a tournament playing that way? Why bother entering?
Click to expand...
 
heninfan99 said:
Hehehe. Absolutely. They suck the fun out of tennis. For them it's not about the beauty of the sport but the competition.
Gotta respect them though it's just not the kind of tennis I enjoy. It is satisfying to beat one and feels terrible to lose to one.
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it's the opposite for me. I enjoy playing them because they make me feel like I am a better player. They give me time to hit my ideal strokes.

Whereas, I played this one power hitter. On average, the points would usually end within 4 hits. No time to do anything, got to go for a winner before he did. That's not beautiful tennis to me.
 
You may have a pusher element to you style, no?
Mick said:
it's the opposite for me. I enjoy playing them because they make me feel like I am a better player. They give me time to hit my ideal strokes.

Whereas, I played this one power hitter. On average, the points would usually end within 4 hits. No time to do anything, got to go for a winner before he did. That's not beautiful tennis to me.
Click to expand...
 
chatt_town said:
99 percent of rec players do. They are just in denial and like to talk about people who push more than they do.
Click to expand...

I see many more people that consistently try to hit too hard and go for too much. They would benefit from being more pusher-like and keeping the ball in play.
 
If I know a player is a pusher, I normally avoid him. They just take the fun out of the game. We all do push some times, but pushers do it all the time.
 
pingu said:
If I know a player is a pusher, I normally avoid him. They just take the fun out of the game. We all do push some times, but pushers do it all the time.
Click to expand...

I agree. Now there is a big difference between a consistent player and a pusher though. Consistent players hang in points, but don't push. They also can serve well and if they spot a weakness in your game, they attack it relentlessly whereas a pusher might recognize the weakness, but can't get out of the pushing zone to attack it. Example, my backhand is way weaker than my forehand and consistent players make a point to hit deep and wide to it, and I usually get it back to neutral at best. Pushers just hit the same ball back to either side, neither deeper nor shorter to one particular wing, it's like they are incapable of doing anything else.

As a competitive club player, consistent players are my favorite to play. It's always a good workout and they can really teach you a lot about how to approach the game and what you need to improve on. Plus, you have a chance to win, unlike against other seasoned players who play tournaments at clubs all across the city, and at the moment are way too good for the match to be competitive.
 
I actually see it as a challenge. It tests your patience and your ability to put balls away yourself. I go from one extreme to the next depending whom I'm playing. It's almost like we despise so called pushers for not being willing to make the mistake before we do. The other thing I notice is most so called pushers move well and have endurance. I think the big hitters don't respect that as a weapon but it is very much so a weapon just like another's serve or forehand. I think once people learn to respect so called pushers game as opposed to degrading it you'll get over the hump and beat them.


pingu said:
If I know a player is a pusher, I normally avoid him. They just take the fun out of the game. We all do push some times, but pushers do it all the time.
Click to expand...
 
You don't see that running you around the court testing your stamina and your patience is just as effective as someone pounding your backhand? If I played you it would depend on how much weaker your backhand was than your forehand versus do I think you can hang around for 2 1/2 hours. If you have extra weight and it's hot...and I'm in shape then I'm probably going to run you in the ground as oppose to taking a chance of you hitting backhand winners and shortening points, but to your point about a real pusher not being able to do anything else...maybe they can't. I don't think that is any worse than a guy that can only serve and can't do anything else....move around the court like a turtle with knee braces getting pi$$ed each time his serve comes back or is called out.


that_was_just_out said:
I agree. Now there is a big difference between a consistent player and a pusher though. Consistent players hang in points, but don't push. They also can serve well and if they spot a weakness in your game, they attack it relentlessly whereas a pusher might recognize the weakness, but can't get out of the pushing zone to attack it. Example, my backhand is way weaker than my forehand and consistent players make a point to hit deep and wide to it, and I usually get it back to neutral at best. Pushers just hit the same ball back to either side, neither deeper nor shorter to one particular wing, it's like they are incapable of doing anything else.

As a competitive club player, consistent players are my favorite to play. It's always a good workout and they can really teach you a lot about how to approach the game and what you need to improve on. Plus, you have a chance to win, unlike against other seasoned players who play tournaments at clubs all across the city, and at the moment are way too good for the match to be competitive.
Click to expand...
 
sundaypunch said:
I see many more people that consistently try to hit too hard and go for too much. They would benefit from being more pusher-like and keeping the ball in play.
Click to expand...

Agreed completely. The guys that make me think on the court a little more are the pushers. The good ones anyway. Inconsistent players with some bombs every now and then are easy to play.
 
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