Strategies to Beat The Pusher

Pushers are a type of player that not only uses their strengths to win games but also tries to limit their opponent's strengths. They know that if they can get you on the defensive, you'll have trouble countering them with your own shots. So they try to take control of the points and keep them there as long as possible. With this strategy in mind, let's look at how we can beat pushers in tennis:

What Is a Clay Tennis Pusher?

A pusher is a player who likes to passively hit the ball over the net from the baseline and can run all day hoping for their opponent to miss a shot. Pushers usually don't have a good serve that gets them quick points and they're not great at returning serves either. When you play against pushers, it's important for you to keep your groundstrokes deep in your opponent's court so that he or she can't get to them easily for easy put away shots. When you're playing against a pusher and want to hit an aggressive shot, make sure that your feet are moving forward toward the net before hitting the ball--this will help ensure that your shots go safely over the net.

How to Beat a Pusher?



The Pushers' Game

The pusher's game is based on retrieving and rallying. The pusher is usually a defensive player who will try to keep the ball in play as long as possible by making sure he or she doesn't get caught out of position.

The pusher wants to avoid being aggressive by hitting too many shots into the net or out of bounds. If you're playing against one of these players keep them on their toes by mixing up your shots: hit some deep bounces; approach the net; hit some topspin lobs, serve and volley and anything that forces them out of their comfort zone!

Aggressive Pushers
If you're playing against an aggressive pusher use his or her aggression against them. You want to make your opponent commit to shots he/she can't handle and play much more aggressively than they want to. This will force them into a higher risk game than they're comfortable with. Your own aggression can also be used against you if you're not careful! If your opponent sees that they've got you on the run by pushing every ball deep into your court. They might try and take advantage of this by going for winners themselves when they get an opening afer a long rally. After all, if they can't win points easily then why shouldn't you try?

Defensive Pushers
Pushers are often defensive players who use the baseline to their advantage. They will camp out back there and try to keep the ball in play and hit it deep to the back of the court. They will use their speed and court coverage to keep you pinned to back of the court, making it harder for you to get to the net for an easy shot at a winner or even put away an overhead volley. The pusher will also be working hard on their footwork making sure they have good lateral movement on both sides of the court so they can move as needed when receiving serve or returning serves that come deep into their side of court (this means that if you are playing against a right-handed player, he'll move left when returning right-handers' serves).

Your Playing Strategy Against a Pusher Will Determine Success

Pushing is a tactic that can be difficult to deal with but it's not impossible. The key is knowing how to play against pushers and using your strengths against their weaknesses.
1.) If your opponent likes to hit fast pace shots, then make your shots' softer as an advantage by keeping the ball in play and moving around the court so that they have to hit a winner which they are uncomfortable doing.

2.) If your opponent likes hitting high balls over the net, use slices, low volleys and drop shots instead of giving them more opportunities to hit those forever high balls. By hitting back at them with equally powerful serves or groundstrokes that will likely land right where you want them (i.e., just out of reach).

3.) If your opponent likes to hit soft to medium pace shots, then use your shots' softness as an advantage by keeping the ball in play and moving around the court so that they have less time to set up their next shot.

4.) If your opponent likes hitting sliced balls to you, use high topspin, deep shots and make them slice it back in a position that is low percentage instead of giving them more opportunities to hit those constant slice forehands or backhands. By hitting back at them with powerful serves or topspin jumping groundies you are keeping them uncomfortable.

You should also vary the pace of each point; if one strategy isn't working well enough for you, try another one until something clicks!