Pusher or baseline grinder--and does it matter?

[ten10]

I'm a mid 40's woman who started playing tennis in 2004. I self-rated at 3.5 (suggested by a pro) and am now a 4.5.

I don't work-out at a gym, run or do anything else for excersize. Just tennis twice a week (30 minutes of hard hitting) Match on Friday.

I love long rallies, long points. I love seeing the ball coming back--can't wait to hit it again. I believe most on this board would call how I play "boring", "pushing" (is there an actual definition?) The reason I love it is because it keeps my entire body in shape to run and hit like that and it doesn't feel like excersize.

Given my "lack" of game I really expected to be wiped off the court at 4.5 I am 2-1 right now.

So, am I a pusher? Is that a bad thing to be in tennis? People call me a backboard? Is that a bad thing?

Finally, for all those who complain when then get beat by someone they believe to be sandbagging--would you rather get beat by a "ringer" or a "pusher"??

 

[Xisbum]

So, am I a pusher? Is that a bad thing to be in tennis? People call me a backboard? Is that a bad thing?

Finally, for all those who complain when then get beat by someone they believe to be sandbagging--would you rather get beat by a "ringer" or a "pusher"??

Nope, you're not a pusher, you're a tennis player. And I share your love for hitting tennis balls, the more the better. That's what makes the game fun.

And I've found that people who lose to someone they think is "inferior" to them in tennis skills usually try to use a derisive term like "pusher" or "backboard." I just treat it as sour grapes.

Keep doing what you're doing, as long as it's fun. Let the others make their excuses.

 

[Geezer Guy]

Well, when I get beat by a "ringer" I'm mad at my opponent. He's obviously way better than me and playing down - so it's not fair to me.

When I get beat by a "pusher" I'm mad at myself. We all think we should be able to beat a pusher (unless they're a ringer also), and to not beat the pusher exposes our inability to hit a winning shot before we hit a losing shot.

 

[cknobman]

Nothing is more frustrating (for me) than to get beat by a pusher.

The reason for this is because you feel like you were beaten by someone who isnt technically better than you at tennis but rather someone who lets you beat yourself. Getting beat by a ringer lets you leave the court with some dignity(percieved) by knowing that the person who just kicked your butt was a far superior tennis player than yourself.

 

[tfm1973]

doesn't matter what anyone else calls you. keep playing your game. it's obviously working and you love the game.

tennis rewards consistency. unless they change the rules and you get more than 1 point for amazing shots - consistency beats amazing shots 99 out of 100 times.

 

[zapvor]

dont listen to tfm. hes a noob.

 

[ten10]

Nothing is more frustrating (for me) than to get beat by a pusher.

The reason for this is because you feel like you were beaten by someone who isnt technically better than you at tennis but rather someone who lets you beat yourself. Getting beat by a ringer lets you leave the court with some dignity(percieved) by knowing that the person who just kicked your butt was a far superior tennis player than yourself.

Where in Texas are you? I could always use a hitting partner, then you can tell me whether I push the ball or not! I'm in FW.

 

[tbini87]

i wouldn't call you a pusher. you sound like a grinder, or counter puncher, or maybe retriever. how do you win points? by letting your opponent make the mistake? there is nothing wrong with your style of play, especially if you are getting good results at the 4.5 level. you might eventually have to change strategy if yours no longer works, but until then keep doing what you like doing. i personally play a similar game (from what it sounds like) to yours, but i also make it a point to try to run everything down. against some people i have to go for more and move the ball around the court, and i am guessing you will run into opponent which will force you to do the same. hit deep and you should be ok. good luck!

 

[ten10]

i wouldn't call you a pusher. you sound like a grinder, or counter puncher, or maybe retriever. how do you win points? by letting your opponent make the mistake? there is nothing wrong with your style of play, especially if you are getting good results at the 4.5 level. you might eventually have to change strategy if yours no longer works, but until then keep doing what you like doing. i personally play a similar game (from what it sounds like) to yours, but i also make it a point to try to run everything down. against some people i have to go for more and move the ball around the court, and i am guessing you will run into opponent which will force you to do the same. hit deep and you should be ok. good luck!

I win a lot of points because, as one person mentioned, they make an error before they hit a winner. At 4.0 almost noone hit a "winner"-- something I couldn't get to. Even overheads were easy for me to read and get to. At 4.5 there are considerably more winners hit by my opponents. Quickness is my biggest weapon (footwork and taking the ball early), followed by passing shots. I like to bring people to net after several groundstrokes. However, I've found that players net play is much better at 4.5 than 4.0.

 

[Ace]

Just curious...but, how high over the net do you return balls? Is there significantly less pace on your returns than your opponents?

I'm just curious, because I sometimes play another 4.0 who I would describe as a "pusher". Everything comes back, but its high and with no pace.

Is this your style of play? If so, I would say "pusher".
If you can keep up pace with your opponent, and the ball isn't too moonball-y, I would say "counterpuncher".

And no...it doesn't matter...play how you enjoy playing.

 

[Xisbum]

When "technically superior" players lose to players with less skill, you can usually draw two conclusions:

(a) The less skilled player is a better competitor;

(b) The technically superior player is a loser, at least on that day.

The good news for the technically superior player is both conclusions can be reversed, but only if he/she learns to respect the opponent.

How's that for pseudo-phycho babble? :???:

 

[spot]

Or C- the less skilled player is much smarter.

Personally thats what I hear when someone complains about losing to a pusher. "blah blah blah- I played dumb and lost"

 

[ten10]

Just curious...but, how how over the net do you return balls? Is there significantly less pace on your returns than your opponents?

I'm just curious, because I sometimes play another 4.0 who I would describe as a "pusher". Everything comes back, but its high and with no pace.

Is this your style of play?

No, not my style of play. If anything I hit the ball too low and without enough depth. And if I don't have enough pace on a ball that drops 3-4 feet inside the baseline, the 4.5s punish me for it. I hit with less pace and more topspin when I'm shooting for a corner baseline. Pace-wise, I match most, but I can take pace off too, which can cause my opponents problems. When I get them to net I usually explode on the ball. I need to lob more though, these 4.5's have good reach and better (placed) volleys.

 

[raiden031]

but only if he/she learns to respect the opponent.

I don't have much respect for pushers because they don't have the guts to take chances and are content at playing a limited style of play that will only get them so far. Lets face it, there are no pros who can win without constructing points and putting away shots. The same is true about decent college players.

I have lost to alot of pushers and been through the frustrations and it has only made me a better player. Thats about all I'll give them credit for. I might continue to lose to them for a while but really if I don't learn to construct points by taking chances, I'll never get anywhere.

 

[cknobman]

Where in Texas are you? I could always use a hitting partner, then you can tell me whether I push the ball or not! I'm in FW.

Im in FW too, the very far north area next to Keller. Maybe we should hit sometime.

 

[Xisbum]

I don't have much respect for pushers because they don't have the guts to take chances and are content at playing a limited style of play that will only get them so far. Lets face it, there are no pros who can win without constructing points and putting away shots. The same is true about decent college players.

I have lost to alot of pushers and been through the frustrations and it has only made me a better player. Thats about all I'll give them credit for. I might continue to lose to them for a while but really if I don't learn to construct points by taking chances, I'll never get anywhere.

Oh? And we are all aspiring to become pros or college players? Please.
Nothing wrong with trying to get better, but also nothing wrong with playing with the tools you have and learning to win with those. Or at least compete with honor.

And, no, I'm not a pusher. I do respect them, however, and never take them for granted. And I never let them get into my head.

 

[ten10]

Im in FW too, the very far north area next to Keller. Maybe we should hit sometime.

I'm the only FW player on my team. Everyone else lives in Southlake or closer to Dallas. Is TCU doable for you? Where do you play out of?

 

[ten10]

they don't have the guts to take chances and are content at playing a limited style of play that will only get them so far. Lets face it, there are no pros who can win without constructing points and putting away shots. The same is true about decent college players.

At almost 45yoa with a Master's degree, that whole "becoming a pro" and "college player" thing you mentioned really doesn't apply.

Folks call me a backboard or say that I wear my opponent down--I believe I do this grinding it out from the baseline mostly. Still, maybe I'm just a "pusher". If so, don't you think I should get bumped back down to 4.0 after a season at 4.5?

 

[user92626]

I second Xisbum's points.

Like you two, I love keeping to hit the ball, the more the better. However,this is hard to do when you play against people who only focus on winning. A while back I teamed up with a guy and I did what I loved. We lost and he sortof b#%tch to me with the impression that I wasn't game enough and no one would want to keep rallying the ball with me like that, ie people just want to win. Talk about anti-recreational, anti-exercise-orientated tennis!!!!

I would just say that decide and stick with your tennis objectives. I am doing that for myself. To hell with everyone else.

ten10, quick question: do you whip the ball with correct form, etc, and not merely get the ball over? If the former, keep doing it and get better.

 

[ten10]

ten10, quick question: do you whip the ball with correct form, etc, and not merely get the ball over? If the former, keep doing it and get better.

Comments on my form range from "nice" to "beautiful". That's not to say I don't hit my fair share of ugly shots. At 4.5 I am catching the ball a little late sometimes, when that happens, especially on my BH, I'll end with my racquet face open--and I lose the point.

Sounds like you play doubles. When I play doubles, I serve and volley, come in after my return of serve--otherwise my partners would get very frustrated with me I'm afraid. That's why I don't enjoy it as much though because the points are so quick. You don't really get to hit out on the ball either. I prefer long rallies from the baseline, so I stick with singles for USTA play.

 

[tbini87]

ten10 it sounds like you are a player, so don't worry about being called a pusher or anything else. as i read your posts i don't get the impression that you float the ball back with lobs all day. hitting the ball with decent topspin, pace, and depth is what our level tennis is about. don't let others talk you into going for a bunch of winners or thinking that "i'll never improve unless i hit as hard i can". placement and consistency come before pace.

 

[Desperate Tennis Wife]

Ten10,

I am impressed that you are playing 4.5 after only 4 years! I am near your age have been playing on and off for 15 years and am trying to up my rating to 4.0. However, I am the opposite of you, I want to "win" the point fast, long rallies make me CRAZY! People play me and say it's "fun" but I lose a lot! Pusher, Grinder, whatever you are it works and you like it!
You go girl!

 

[ten10]

Thanks tbini87 and DTHW

And Desperate, I know you didn't ask, but you said two things that might be working at cross-purposes: 1) you are trying to get up to 4.0, and 2) you want to "win" the points fast.

For me, I just want to win. That means that I assume, everytime that the ball is coming back no matter how awesome my shot. I also assume every ball coming back is going to land in. It helps me get in position and make accurate line calls. I just want to win--even if we go to deuce 12-20 times. That has happened to me.

 

[raiden031]

Oh? And we are all aspiring to become pros or college players? Please.
Nothing wrong with trying to get better, but also nothing wrong with playing with the tools you have and learning to win with those. Or at least compete with honor.

And, no, I'm not a pusher. I do respect them, however, and never take them for granted. And I never let them get into my head.

One doesn't have to be aspiring to be a pro or college player to want to learn to play like them. The point is that Open/college/pro level players don't just get the ball back like a pusher does. They take chances and make things happen. I just am not impressed by players that take the easy route of pushing because it is safer and will earn more wins in the short term.

 

[raiden031]

At almost 45yoa with a Master's degree, that whole "becoming a pro" and "college player" thing you mentioned really doesn't apply.

Folks call me a backboard or say that I wear my opponent down--I believe I do this grinding it out from the baseline mostly. Still, maybe I'm just a "pusher". If so, don't you think I should get bumped back down to 4.0 after a season at 4.5?

From your posts here, you don't sound like a pusher because you give the impression that you can hit the ball well (ie. passing shots). Some people believe a pusher is any person that plays high percentage tennis while I do not think that is the case. The pusher I describe is one that just gets the ball back in play often by blocking or slicing the ball and isn't very skilled.

 

[tbini87]

From your posts here, you don't sound like a pusher because you give the impression that you can hit the ball well (ie. passing shots). Some people believe a pusher is any person that plays high percentage tennis while I do not think that is the case. The pusher I describe is one that just gets the ball back in play often by blocking or slicing the ball and isn't very skilled.

that is the impression i got too. being able to pick up wins at 4.5 is pretty impressive too. i think the work "pusher" is used very loosely... especially around these boards. seems like anyone who plays smart and doesn't go for too much gets pegged as a "pusher". i wouldn't get caught up in all that bogus... play your game and try to become the best player you can.

 

[JHBKLYN]

Still, maybe I'm just a "pusher". If so, don't you think I should get bumped back down to 4.0 after a season at 4.5?

You've already have a 2-1 record, even if you lose the rest of your matches, I doubt you'll get bumped down. Whether you're a pusher, a super-duper stroke genius, or a text-book perfect formster, a win is a win. And if you are winning at your level, just keep doing what you're doing and see if you can go to the next level.

 

[JHBKLYN]

I second Xisbum's points.
Like you two, I love keeping to hit the ball, the more the better. However,this is hard to do when you play against people who only focus on winning. A while back I teamed up with a guy and I did what I loved. We lost and he sortof b#%tch to me with the impression that I wasn't game enough and no one would want to keep rallying the ball with me like that, ie people just want to win. Talk about anti-recreational, anti-exercise-orientated tennis!!!!

I don't understand. If you're playing a match, aren't you suppose to try to win? Why would someone want to rally in a match? Isn't that call practice?

 

[Desperate Tennis Wife]

Thanks tbini87 and DTHW

And Desperate, I know you didn't ask, but you said two things that might be working at cross-purposes: 1) you are trying to get up to 4.0, and 2) you want to "win" the points fast.

Ain't it the truth? I'll never learn!

 

[cknobman]

I'm the only FW player on my team. Everyone else lives in Southlake or closer to Dallas. Is TCU doable for you? Where do you play out of?

TCU is doable for me. Actually I play on a mens 3.5 team out of TCU right now.

 

[vinhextreme]

i only push for fast serve

 

[Cindysphinx]

I'm a mid 40's woman who started playing tennis in 2004. I self-rated at 3.5 (suggested by a pro) and am now a 4.5.

I don't work-out at a gym, run or do anything else for excersize. Just tennis twice a week (30 minutes of hard hitting) Match on Friday.

Wow.

I can't even wrap my mind around this bit. So, uh . . . We started playing at about the same time, we're about the same age, yet you're a 4.5 and I'm struggling at 3.5? And I have to *kill* myself with exercise and you don't have to do anything?

I think I got cheated somewhere . . .

 

[raiden031]

Wow.

I can't even wrap my mind around this bit. So, uh . . . We started playing at about the same time, we're about the same age, yet you're a 4.5 and I'm struggling at 3.5? And I have to *kill* myself with exercise and you don't have to do anything?

I think I got cheated somewhere . . .

She probably has an athletic background from her younger days that wasn't mentioned.

I played once against a former baseball player that had been playing less than 6 months and he was at least as good as me. It makes a big difference.

 

[Topaz]

I don't have much respect for pushers because they don't have the guts to take chances and are content at playing a limited style of play that will only get them so far. Lets face it, there are no pros who can win without constructing points and putting away shots. The same is true about decent college players.

I have lost to alot of pushers and been through the frustrations and it has only made me a better player. Thats about all I'll give them credit for. I might continue to lose to them for a while but really if I don't learn to construct points by taking chances, I'll never get anywhere.

But she *has* gotten somewhere...from 3.5 to 4.5 in four years. When you've done the same, maybe you can criticize. She uses her guts to stay out there and run her opponents ragged. She is *smart*.

I find it curious that you don't give credit to the 'pushers' who beat you...there is a lot to be said for having the patience and consistency to beat anyone through grinding. And there are plenty of pros and college players who are in the 'grinder' category as well. Think Lleyton Hewitt, Martina Hingis, Anna Chakvetadze...just to name a few off of the top of my head.

ten10 - Good job! Don't worry about what others think of you, especially after you've just beaten them! I, too, think it is amazing that you've moved up to 4.5 in such a short amount of time! Keep hitting it inside the lines and having fun, and there really is nothing else to worry about!

 

[raiden031]

But she *has* gotten somewhere...from 3.5 to 4.5 in four years. When you've done the same, maybe you can criticize. She uses her guts to stay out there and run her opponents ragged. She is *smart*.

I find it curious that you don't give credit to the 'pushers' who beat you...there is a lot to be said for having the patience and consistency to beat anyone through grinding. And there are plenty of pros and college players who are in the 'grinder' category as well. Think Lleyton Hewitt, Martina Hingis, Anna Chakvetadze...just to name a few off of the top of my head.

ten10 - Good job! Don't worry about what others think of you, especially after you've just beaten them! I, too, think it is amazing that you've moved up to 4.5 in such a short amount of time! Keep hitting it inside the lines and having fun, and there really is nothing else to worry about!

Sorry but Lleyton Hewitt could blow every single person on this board off the court with ease. He is not a pusher. If you fast forward to one of my later posts, I said that I don't think the OP is a pusher because she welcomes people to the net and blasts passing shots by them (I've never seen a pusher do that) and I don't disrespect people who choose to grind at the baseline if they are skilled players. I disrespect people who hit junk balls and don't learn any advanced skills because they aren't safe.

 

[ten10]

TCU is doable for me. Actually I play on a mens 3.5 team out of TCU right now.

Hey, this could work! That way if I push, you can help me become legit. What is your ideal day and time to play?

 

[ten10]

But she *has* gotten somewhere...from 3.5 to 4.5 in four years. When you've done the same, maybe you can criticize. She uses her guts to stay out there and run her opponents ragged. She is *smart*.

ten10 - Good job! Don't worry about what others think of you, especially after you've just beaten them! I, too, think it is amazing that you've moved up to 4.5 in such a short amount of time! Keep hitting it inside the lines and having fun, and there really is nothing else to worry about!

Thanks Topaz, I grinded it out in a practice match this morning against another 4.5. I hit plenty of "winners", but I also find it takes a bit of a rally to find my put away shot. So in that regard, I do play high percentage. I'm patient and wait for my opening. Maybe as I progress at this level, I'll get quicker at identifying openings.

 

[ten10]

She probably has an athletic background from her younger days that wasn't mentioned.

I played once against a former baseball player that had been playing less than 6 months and he was at least as good as me. It makes a big difference.

I was a competitive swimmer, cheerleader. And Cindy, before kids I didn't mind exercising, but after twins--forget about it. They are all the work-out I need. Being a swimmer was brutal and boring. I guess I rebelled. Still, before kids I loved to rollerblade--really, really fast.

I'm short, 5'2" with short legs, which I thinks allows me a quickness over some. Easier to go from zero to 60 in seconds. Metabolism of a humming bird--it's in the genes.

 

[tbini87]

Thanks Topaz, I grinded it out in a practice match this morning against another 4.5. I hit plenty of "winners", but I also find it takes a bit of a rally to find my put away shot. So in that regard, I do play high percentage. I'm patient and wait for my opening. Maybe as I progress at this level, I'll get quicker at identifying openings.

sounds like you are doing it the right way. too many people get into the mindset of hitting winners when the opportunity isn't there. being patient enough to wait for the right time to go for it is a big part of playing at the higher level. i had to learn it the hard way. i went from going to winners constantly to taking a step back and becoming more consistent, setting up the point to hit a winner. the shot that is the winner shouldn't be the best shot in the rally... there should be better shots leading up to the winner, which makes the winner that much easier to hit! besides, when all is said and done i don't care what others call me. i am fine with being a counter puncher, pusher, retriever, baseline grinder, all courter, etc. being able to mix it up depending on your opponent is important.

 

[Z-Man]

Don't worry if your game is working for you (sounds like it is). As you face better and better competition, you'll have to hit harder and deeper to keep them from jumping on the ball. You'll also find that if you don't put the ball away when you have a chance, you won't get another chance because your opponent will hit a winner.

I progressed over the years from a 3.5 pusher to a 4.0 counter-puncher to a 4.5 power baseliner. Every step of the way, I had to improve my game to compete. As long as you keep playing better players, your opponents will teach you what you need to know to improve. Matches at every level are won or lost because of unforced errors, so you've got the right approach. However, if you want to continue to improve, you'll have to develop a weapon.

In the men's recreational game, you can win every match at 3.5 if you don't overhit and make stupid errors. At 4.0 most people have a weapon, but they also have weaknesses that a consistent player can exploit. At 4.5, you can't get away with just keeping it in play because people can hit winners on any kind of weak ball. If you don't execute a game plan to win the point, you will get crushed.

 

[tbini87]

^ good post z-man. i can see how all that works. do you have any plans on getting to 5.0, and if so, what improvements would your game need? seems like by the time you are 5.0 you need about ever shot to be up to par, or your opponents will easily exploit a weakness...

 

[ten10]

I agree with Z-man too, tbini87.

If the question was for me. No-- I have no ideas about getting to 5.0 I would like to maintain my new and current 4.5 rating. I know how people can beat me easily--but that's for me to know and them to figure out. I like my game but I will work to add elements to it. At 4.0 I rarely played the same person twice. They had no time to figure me out. There are so many fewer 4.5s that ladies will have multiple shots at me and me at them. My weaknesses will be exposed and I'll either counter-act for that, or, deservedly so, I'll get bumped back down. For now, I'm hanging tough.

 

[Cindysphinx]

I was a competitive swimmer, cheerleader. And Cindy, before kids I didn't mind exercising, but after twins--forget about it. They are all the work-out I need. Being a swimmer was brutal and boring. I guess I rebelled. Still, before kids I loved to rollerblade--really, really fast.

I'm short, 5'2" with short legs, which I thinks allows me a quickness over some. Easier to go from zero to 60 in seconds. Metabolism of a humming bird--it's in the genes.

Ah, OK. I see the difference then.

I spent my youth as a sedentary bookworm with the metabolism of a three-toed sloth.

 

[Z-Man]

^ good post z-man. i can see how all that works. do you have any plans on getting to 5.0, and if so, what improvements would your game need? seems like by the time you are 5.0 you need about ever shot to be up to par, or your opponents will easily exploit a weakness...

I don't think I'll ever get to 5.0 because I don't have either of the two things you need--1) extensive training as a junior or 2) high-level natural athletic ability. However, I would like to move from the bottom of 4.5 to the top, and I know exactly what I've got to do. I learned from being beaten by an excellent player at state last year.

My groundstrokes are very solid on both sides and I move well, but I need to learn to finish at the net when I've got my opponent on the run. I also need to develop a better serve. Just a few more free points would help, but some 4.5 and 5.0 players are nearly unbreakable. That puts a lot of pressure on you to hold. I'm currently fooling around with a Pure Drive+, longer racquets, and a pinpoint stance as potential ways to improve my serve. My friends think I'm crazy, but trying new things is how I got from 3.5 to 4.5. (By the way, the Pure Drive is out, it gave me wrist tendonitis.)

I think being a pusher is a pretty good way to start tennis. You get good results quickly, and over time you can learn to push deeper and harder with more spin. Then you can start running people around and punishing short balls. However, unless you're very fit and silly quick, at some point you hit the brick wall unless you continue to develop weapons. The weapon I'm missing is a big serve.

 

[TennisProdigy]

4.5 women is like a 3.5 man, at that level pushing is quite common and can easily get wins depending on how well you can cover the court. At women's 5.0 or higher you will need to be able to hit the ball cleanly consistently and with plenty of placement spin and depth.

 

[tbini87]

I don't think I'll ever get to 5.0 because I don't have either of the two things you need--1) extensive training as a junior or 2) high-level natural athletic ability. However, I would like to move from the bottom of 4.5 to the top, and I know exactly what I've got to do. I learned from being beaten by an excellent player at state last year.

My groundstrokes are very solid on both sides and I move well, but I need to learn to finish at the net when I've got my opponent on the run. I also need to develop a better serve. Just a few more free points would help, but some 4.5 and 5.0 players are nearly unbreakable. That puts a lot of pressure on you to hold. I'm currently fooling around with a Pure Drive+, longer racquets, and a pinpoint stance as potential ways to improve my serve. My friends think I'm crazy, but trying new things is how I got from 3.5 to 4.5. (By the way, the Pure Drive is out, it gave me wrist tendonitis.)

I think being a pusher is a pretty good way to start tennis. You get good results quickly, and over time you can learn to push deeper and harder with more spin. Then you can start running people around and punishing short balls. However, unless you're very fit and silly quick, at some point you hit the brick wall unless you continue to develop weapons. The weapon I'm missing is a big serve.

yeah 4.5 to 5.0 sounds like a big step. it is tough playing people that are hard to break.

i totally agree that pushing is a good way to start. consistency is the key, and developing weapons comes with time. i wouldn't expect a beginner to start flattening an inside out forehand for winners, but they can certainly keep the ball in the court.

i would love to make it to 5.0 someday... i didn't get the junior training, but might have enough athletic ability to get there. i am still young so i think i have plenty of time to work on my game!

 

[cknobman]

Hey, this could work! That way if I push, you can help me become legit. What is your ideal day and time to play?

Im usually good for anytime after 6:30 on M,W,Th and usually anytime on the weekend when Im not playing a USTA match.

 

[LuckyR]

ten10- Sounds like you are more of a counterpuncher than a pusher, per se'. Of course folks who lose to you are going to use any sort of descriptive term, but I would use their opinion as much of anything other than a bruised ego. In any case, given your footspeed this sounds like a good style for you. Not that you couldn't branch out with more ball striking skills, but a good match for now.

 

[Julieta]

I'm a mid 40's woman who started playing tennis in 2004. I self-rated at 3.5 (suggested by a pro) and am now a 4.5.

I don't work-out at a gym, run or do anything else for excersize. Just tennis twice a week (30 minutes of hard hitting) Match on Friday.

I love long rallies, long points. I love seeing the ball coming back--can't wait to hit it again. I believe most on this board would call how I play "boring", "pushing" (is there an actual definition?) The reason I love it is because it keeps my entire body in shape to run and hit like that and it doesn't feel like excersize.

Given my "lack" of game I really expected to be wiped off the court at 4.5 I am 2-1 right now.

So, am I a pusher? Is that a bad thing to be in tennis? People call me a backboard? Is that a bad thing?

Finally, for all those who complain when then get beat by someone they believe to be sandbagging--would you rather get beat by a "ringer" or a "pusher"??

It doesn't matter what you're called and getting the ball back isn't a bad thing. That's what is supposed to happen, right?!

The thing with tennis is that so many people don't know what's really happening out there and/or they are delusional. Either about themselves or about you and how they beat you or how you beat them. For the rest of your tennis career, you have to look forward to an endless analysis by opponents and spectators on how you played, what you should have done, what you could have done, etc.. Some of it will be spot on while other comments will have you thinking, "what match were they watching?" So just play your game, enjoy yourself, let it all evolve naturally and burn all of the labels.

Congrats on the solid progress too, that is really great.

 

[tbini87]

It doesn't matter what you're called and getting the ball back isn't a bad thing. That's what is supposed to happen, right?!

The thing with tennis is that so many people don't know what's really happening out there and/or they are delusional. Either about themselves or about you and how they beat you or how you beat them. For the rest of your tennis career, you have to look forward to an endless analysis by opponents and spectators on how you played, what you should have done, what you could have done, etc.. Some of it will be spot on while other comments will have you thinking, "what match were they watching?" So just play your game, enjoy yourself, let it all evolve naturally and burn all of the labels.

Congrats on the solid progress too, that is really great.

good post! i think most people who play have had to deal with getting their game analyzed, and it is best when it is done by people who jsut watch and don't even play! like, you needed to go for more winners, and you should have hit a harder first serve. people will always have something negative to say about your game, so let the haters hate and just play your game!