The Dreaded Pusher

The pusher is the kind of player that makes you want to throw your racquet in the trash after the match and take up golf. They get everything back and seem very content to sit on the baseline all day waiting patiently for your inevitable mistake. There is nothing worse than self destructing against a player that has no real weapons other than getting the ball back in play.

That said, it should be noted that there is the true pusher, and there is the disguised pusher. The true pusher is somebody that is able to get the ball back regardless of spin, pace, and court position. They don't seem to ever hit winners, but they get that extra ball back in play so that you have the opportunity to make a mistake. The disguised pusher is the player that intentionally pushes or puts everything in play, but they actually have the capability of putting shots away, and do so. To beat a pusher and a disguised pusher, you have to play using very different strategies.

To beat the true pusher

A.) Be a better pusher than they are.
B.) Force them to make decisions
C.) Be willing to be aggressive and put shots away.

Being the better pusher requires an unbelievable amount of patience and focus. It is very easy to get lulled to sleep against a pusher. All of the sudden you will be 30 shots into a rally and start wondering what you're going to make for dinner. There goes that point. To be honest, if you're game isn't pushing, then trying to push a pusher is going to be a great struggle. They have been doing it for years, and have likely developed that strategy because they've been successful with it. Know what your game is, know what your opponents' game is.

There are a couple of ways that you can force your opponent to make decisions. One way is to hit every ball back to the center of the court. Because it is easier to create angles from angles, it will be difficult for the pusher to do anything but set you up in the middle of the court. Not only that, you will be forcing them to decide on where they should be placing the ball. Another great way is to run them back and forth along the baseline so that they keep getting deeper and deeper in the court. Just when they are hitting back next to the fence, drop shot them (again in the middle of the court so they have to create angle) and force them to come in. Most pushers are very uncomfortable moving forward and back, and even more uncomfortable putting the ball on their strings for the the point at the net. If they are a true pusher, coming to net and trying to finish a point would feel as awkward and uncomfortable as their first date when they were 14. Their discomfort will lead to an easy pass if you can keep your composer through the shot.

Lastly, taking control of points by being aggressive is a no brainer. If you can do it, and win more points that way than you lose, then you will be successful. This strategy takes lots of guts and confidence in your shot making abilities. It also requires your ability to set yourself up. Going into every point, it's a good idea to remind yourself that regardless of how hard or how well you hit it, the pusher will get it back. Having this mentality will keep you ready and excited for the next ball rather than dreading it.