So you're trying to beat a pusher...

[Doubles]

What are your preferred tactics against a pusher? This is not a thread to bash them, nor is it a thread to praise their game. This board already has enough of both of those kinds of threads. This is simply a thread for sharing strategies, tips, and what have you on the subject of playing a pusher.

Personally, I like to serve and volley against them. In my experience, the best manner to beat a pusher is to be aggressive, but, I don't want to duke it out from the baseline with someone that I know is willing to stand ten feet behind the baseline and get everything back.

In S&V'ing I allow myself to play aggressively and keep points short while still playing consistently. At the 4.0/4.5 level I don't find myself playing many pushers that also have a killer passing shot, so, while I might get beaten down the line occasionally, it's not a common occurrence.

So, what are your guys strategies that you find effective against pushers?

 

[LeeD]

At 4-4.5, you get's lots of deep CC lobs, which you have to chase down.
Net play is ONE strategy.
Moving the pusher inside his service line is another.

 

[Steady Eddy]

^^Pretty much the same as this. Long time ago I was up against a kid who hit all lobs. I decided to hit lobs back. We had really long rallies, but he won the first set. Then I started to bring him to the net, he had no net game.

Now if the "pusher" has a solid net game, then they're not really a pusher at all, but an advanced player who's just messin' with ya.

 

[SpinToWin]

variety. I play any thinkable tactic and don't let them get into a rhythm. Serve and volley occasionally (also on kick second serves), long slice, short slice , low slice, sidespin slice, loopy topspin shots, short angles, drop shots, sneaking in to the net, etc. Since the pusher generally is the one reacting, if you act unexpectedly you can rattle him up.

 

[RoddickAce]

Hit deep with lots of topspin at a comfortable pace, and wrongfoot them by hitting back behind them.

If they are poor at net, hit low slices so they are forced to come to net.

 

[Doubles]

Interesting thoughts, guys. I like the idea of bringing them in to the net. A lot of pushers can't volley to save their life.

 

[user92626]

This thread would be meaningful if you guys defined what a pusher is.

What's a pusher? What are their characteristics and styles?

 

[Doubles]

This thread would be meaningful if you guys defined what a pusher is.

What's a pusher? What are their characteristics and styles?

Define meaningful

I would consider a pusher to be someone who grinds at or near the baseline. At higher levels it's not the same type of player as what a 3.5 or lower would call a pusher, where the person shanks every third ball, but hits them so softly it'll still fall in.

To me, a pusher is the type of player that will run everything down, consistently play the ball cross court with some spin, and wait for you to make the error, or hit a winner past them. They typically have a safe, spin serve, which they can be aggressive with, but typically just get it in the box to start the point. Normally the forehand side has more topspin than the backhand, which is often a flat block or a slice. But, again, at my level (roughly 4.5) it's still a developed stroke, rather than a wild hack at the ball.

It's not to say that they can't play aggressively, as it is they choose not to. I've seen pusher that are willing to come in to the net if need be, but most, at any level, are often reluctant.

 

[user92626]

To me, a pusher is the type of player that will run everything down, consistently play the ball cross court with some spin, and wait for you to make the error, or hit a winner past them. They typically have a safe, spin serve, which they can be aggressive with, but typically just get it in the box to start the point. Normally the forehand side has more topspin than the backhand, which is often a flat block or a slice. But, again, at my level (roughly 4.5) it's still a developed stroke, rather than a wild hack at the ball.

It's not to say that they can't play aggressively, as it is they choose not to. I've seen pusher that are willing to come in to the net if need be, but most, at any level, are often reluctant.

Dang...I meet 90% of your definition

I will run everything down until I cannot. I play crosscourt and some dtl to mix things up, from baseline. I consider 3 df's in a set is too much. I can easily serve "anything" just to start a point. FH has more topspin then bh though i only slice when I'm lazy. I am very reluctant to charge the net.

That's about everything I have for tennis. LOL. Incredibly crude, huh? Seriously I don't know what else to do in tennis!!!!

 

[Doubles]

Dang...I meet 90% of your definition

I will run everything down until I cannot. I play crosscourt and some dtl to mix things up, from baseline. I consider 3 df's in a set is too much. I can easily serve "anything" just to start a point. FH has more topspin then bh though i only slice when I'm lazy. I am very reluctant to charge the net.

That's about everything I have for tennis. LOL. Incredibly crude, huh? Seriously I don't know what else to do in tennis!!!!

There's nothing wrong with that. I'm not using this as a thread to bash this playstyle haha. this is simply a thread to discuss ways to beat this playstyle

 

[user92626]

There's nothing wrong with that. I'm not using this as a thread to bash this playstyle haha. this is simply a thread to discuss ways to beat this playstyle

No worry. I didn't see/think any bashing. Just curious how much different other players play.

Those players I lost to seemed playing ...equally crudely as well. They just hit better and eventually outpaced my running. There were one or two whose serving made a difference but they were rare.

 

[blip]

Define meaningful

To me, a pusher is the type of player that will run everything down, consistently play the ball cross court with some spin, and wait for you to make the error, or hit a winner past them. They typically have a safe, spin serve, which they can be aggressive with, but typically just get it in the box to start the point. Normally the forehand side has more topspin than the backhand, which is often a flat block or a slice. But, again, at my level (roughly 4.5) it's still a developed stroke, rather than a wild hack at the ball.

It's not to say that they can't play aggressively, as it is they choose not to. I've seen pusher that are willing to come in to the net if need be, but most, at any level, are often reluctant.

Bash that backhand over and over until you get the ball you like and put it away. Move in after it and do whatever you want with the next ball. Mostly, play to your strengths and don't change your game too much so that you are out of your comfort zone. If you hate those little slice backhands he's sending ya hit some high to his backhand to see what you get.

 

[Mr.Lob]

Pusher persecution getting you down? Then come on over to the "Pushers Anonymous" thread. There you will get the true meaning of what a pusher is, understanding and acceptance, pusher strategies on how to frustrate your opponent to the point of an aneurysm, as well as the latest in pusher fashion and accessories. Friday's has just been designated as pusher recipe day. On the menu... how to destroy the hopes and dreams of a ball basher. See you there!

 

[Doubles]

Pusher persecution getting you down? Then come on over to the "Pushers Anonymous" thread. There you will get the true meaning of what a pusher is, understanding and acceptance, pusher strategies on how to frustrate your opponent to the point of an aneurysm, as well as the latest in pusher fashion and accessories. Friday's has just been designated as pusher recipe day. On the menu... how to destroy the hopes and dreams of a ball basher. See you there!

I'm not a ball basher, good sir. I like to hit winners and all, but I prefer to move forward and take time from my opponent, rather than smack forehand winners. As for joining your ranks, I just don't have the patience to push, it's too boring, and my ADHD personality just isn't fit for it

 

[OTMPut]

i always lost this pusher at our club. well he calls himself as such and is proud of his lobbing and dinking skills.

i always tried the aggressive, take the net route.

last time i played, i played a near total defensive tennis. slowed down serves and ground stroke considerably and never went to the net unless he hit a dropper. lots of slicing back and forth.

guess what after a dozen 10 shot rallys, he started coming to the net. i lobbed him a few times and passed him a few times. it was a close match and he lost. after that he never contacted me for another match.

try ultra defensive game. may be it turs out that he is not as great a pusher that you can be. and that will hurt.

 

[Mr.Lob]

i always lost this pusher at our club. well he calls himself as such and is proud of his lobbing and dinking skills.

i always tried the aggressive, take the net route.

last time i played, i played a near total defensive tennis. slowed down serves and ground stroke considerably and never went to the net unless he hit a dropper. lots of slicing back and forth.

guess what after a dozen 10 shot rallys, he started coming to the net. i lobbed him a few times and passed him a few times. it was a close match and he lost. after that he never contacted me for another match.

try ultra defensive game. may be it turs out that he is not as great a pusher that you can be. and that will hurt.

Brad Gilbert wrote, when you play a pusher, be prepared to suffer. Be prepared to be on the court a long time and hit a lot of balls. You did what it takes. You outpushed a pusher.

I hate to see someone get the better of a fellow pusher... but well done sir.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Crowd the net. MAKE them hit winners and go for lines.

 

[kdang]

Last Saturday, I had a match against this pusher. My tactic and strategy was to bring the pusher up and pass him, S&V, or just keep pounding my groundies in corners and come up to the net. The dude kept returning my balls 30 ft in the air with super heavy topspin, it was crazy. 4.0/4.5 level.

 

[SStrikerR]

Hit deep directly at them. They can run side to side all day yet are usually slow as molasses when giving themselves space. As a result, you usually get a slow, mid court ball that sits up nicely. Pick and choose how you want to finish it.

 

[LuckyR]

This thread would be meaningful if you guys defined what a pusher is.

What's a pusher? What are their characteristics and styles?

Historically the term means: "anyone who hits a higher percentage game than you".

 

[SpinToWin]

Brad Gilbert wrote, when you play a pusher, be prepared to suffer. Be prepared to be on the court a long time and hit a lot of balls. You did what it takes. You outpushed a pusher.

I hate to see someone get the better of a fellow pusher... but well done sir.

Brad Gilbert is no God, stop quoting him like some kind of Bible…

 

[newpball]

Beating a pusher is easy, just lower your unforced error percentage. :grin:

 

[Steady Eddy]

In tennis shot selection, as in so many other things, you have to balance risk and reward. The pusher plays conservatively, but not necessarily optimally, they might be too conservative.

I don't know the name for the opposite of a pusher, someone who chooses too many high risk shots. But the popularity of casinos proves that there are such people who are overly optimistic about taking chances and the percentages are not in their favor.

But if your shot selection suits your skill level, then your opponents' 'pushing' won't present any particular challenge. (Often, if the pusher played more aggressively you'd lose even worse).

 

[GuyClinch]

On serve:

Try to open up the court by pulling them wide - then hit to the open court. If you open up the court enough even a pusher won't be able to run it down. They won't be able to hit a winner off a wide serve which is a risk against a good player...

When not serving - approach (mostly to the backhand) but sit on the lob. A real pusher won't be able to rip passing shots. Of course to execute this strategy you need good approach shots, overheads,volleys - and the ability to hit both a slice and kick serve.. So its pretty tough..

 

[Mr.Lob]

On serve:

Try to open up the court by pulling them wide - then hit to the open court. If you open up the court enough even a pusher won't be able to run it down. They won't be able to hit a winner off a wide serve which is a risk against a good player...

When not serving - approach (mostly to the backhand) but sit on the lob. A real pusher won't be able to rip passing shots. Of course to execute this strategy you need good approach shots, overheads,volleys - and the ability to hit both a slice and kick serve.. So its pretty tough..

On serve: A good pusher is going to float that serve back high and deep. Plenty of time to return to middle court.

When not serving: When approaching, agree to sit on the lob. Lobs will be high and deep into the backhand corner. Passing shot when it's obvious... a lot of balls hit at your shoelaces, or just wide.

 

[sjoerdklarenbeek]

If a pusher is someone who gets a lot of balls back, makes few mistakes, plays the ball safely and slow, then I think a good strategy is to dictate, make him run, and attack in a controlled way if he plays a weaker ball. Be patient and prepared to hit a few more balls to finish the point.

 

[user92626]

In tennis shot selection, as in so many other things, you have to balance risk and reward. The pusher plays conservatively, but not necessarily optimally, they might be too conservative.

Agreed, but I also want to add.

Someone play too conservatively most of the time because you let them. Think about this, why go higher risk than the level that is already beating you?

Now if you play someone that plays conservatively and loses 9 out 10 times, he's either truly dumb or level mismatched. Very few players are that dumb or want to keep playing mismatched games.

 

[GuyClinch]

On serve: A good pusher is going to float that serve back high and deep. Plenty of time to return to middle court.

Sure if your slice and kick servers aren't very effective... its the same with approach shots. If you are playing a lobber you have to hit good enough quality so they can't execute these shots that easy.. If you are returning a 90 MPH kicker its not that easy to get a nice deep lob off..

Pushers essentially force you to prove that you actually have game. You have to generate pace off slow balls, you have to hit serves that actually bother players, you need to hit shots like overheads and volleys..

Pushers say "your offensive game isn't good enough to beat me" - and usually they are right if you are under 4.0..

 

[SpinToWin]

Sure if your slice and kick servers aren't very effective... its the same with approach shots. If you are playing a lobber you have to hit good enough quality so they can't execute these shots that easy.. If you are returning a 90 MPH kicker its not that easy to get a nice deep lob off..

Pushers essentially force you to prove that you actually have game. You have to generate pace off slow balls, you have to hit serves that actually bother players, you need to hit shots like overheads and volleys..

Pushers say "your offensive game isn't good enough to beat me" - and usually they are right if you are under 4.0..

forget it, this guy is preaching the pusher syndrome like it's some kind of religion, there's no way we can make him understand logic…

 

[colowhisper]

Hit deep directly at them. They can run side to side all day yet are usually slow as molasses when giving themselves space. As a result, you usually get a slow, mid court ball that sits up nicely. Pick and choose how you want to finish it.

^^This is excellent advice. I have good success playing pushing style by hitting everything right at the opponent: body serves, baseline grinding to the body, bring them to the net and don't bother trying harder passing shots, just go right at them. When I get to the net, hit the volleys to the body. I also find I get fewer lobs as the match goes on if hit the overheads at the body too (well, NEAR the body :- )!

 

[Doubles]

^^This is excellent advice. I have good success playing pushing style by hitting everything right at the opponent: body serves, baseline grinding to the body, bring them to the net and don't bother trying harder passing shots, just go right at them. When I get to the net, hit the volleys to the body. I also find I get fewer lobs as the match goes on if hit the overheads at the body too (well, NEAR the body :- )!

I notice this as well. When you don't let them run side to side but, rather, shuffle out of the middle of the court, a lot of them seem to struggle.

 

[prostaff_fan]

One strategy I noticed that works well against players who are good at moving and get to every ball is to wrong-foot them by not going to the open side of the court. So called "Pushers" are good at moving to the open side of court where you intuitively feel like you can put the ball away for a winner. Go against the flow of play, hold your shot for a second and put it back to the same side where the opponent is. At this time, your opponent is already moving to the other side of court and you will end up wrong-footing him.

 

[Maximagq]

There is nothing more fun than outpushing pushers, or outserving big servers, or outhitting big hitters, or volleying better than serve and volleyers.

 

[SpinToWin]

There is nothing more fun than outpushing pushers, or outserving big servers, or outhitting big hitters, or volleying better than serve and volleyers.

yes there is, outplaying completely. Playing a drop shot where you can walk away the moment you hit it, faking a drop and leaving your opponent flat footed when you slice long, hitting a tweener as a winner, generally making the opponent feel like he can't play tennis at all, I love it :twisted: