Okay, here is my sharing about how to beat a pusher in tennis:
So, I played a match the other day. This guy, he was what you’d call a “pusher.” You know the type, right? Just keeps hitting the ball back, no power, no spin, just… plop. Drives you nuts! I used to struggle against these players, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and let me tell you, they worked like a charm this time.
First thing I did was recognize his game. I didn’t even sweat it. Once I knew what I was dealing with, I had a plan. This is crucial – knowing your opponent is half the battle. They just want to keep the ball in play. It’s like a staring contest, and you gotta be the one to make the first move.
Next, I started to move him around. I hit the ball to his forehand, then his backhand, then a short ball, then a deep one. I was basically running him ragged. These guys, they’re not used to running. They just stand there, waiting for you to make a mistake. I made sure he was the one doing all the running.
- Hit to the corners.
- Mix up the pace and spin.
- Bring them to the net with a drop shot, then lob them.
Another thing I did was come to the net. Yeah, I know, it’s scary. But pushers hate it when you’re at the net. They can’t just keep pushing the ball back; they have to actually try to pass you. And most of the time, they can’t. I volleyed their weak shots away, angled them off, and before he knew it, I was winning easy points.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I got a bit impatient at times, especially when he just keeps blooping the ball back. But the key was to stay calm. I took deep breaths, focused on my strategy, and reminded myself that I was in control. There were also a few times that I had to use a reset button in my head. I would remind myself that I am playing a pusher and that I should not get into their style of play.
And you know what? It worked! I beat him pretty handily in the end. It was a good feeling, knowing that I could outsmart a pusher. It’s not about hitting harder, it’s about playing smarter.
So, if you’re facing a pusher, don’t despair. Just remember these tips: recognize their game, move them around, come to the net, and most importantly, stay patient. You got this!
