To beat a pusher in singles, meaning a player who returns almost everything with little pace and waits for you to make mistakes, stay patient, avoid over-hitting, build points with depth and angles, draw them forward with short balls and drop shots, and come to the net to finish points. Pushers win mainly on their opponents’ errors, so the goal is to take away easy mistakes while creating chances to end points on your terms. It helps to think of a pusher as a consistent counterpuncher rather than a weak player. Their style is effective, especially at club and junior levels, and beating them requires a clear plan, good shot selection and emotional control. This guide explains how pushers win, a complete game plan, specific tactics, mental keys, how to practice for this matchup and common mistakes.
How pushers win
Pushers rely on consistency, movement and patience. They usually hit high, deep, slow balls with lots of margin, often with topspin or slice, and they rarely miss. They are comfortable in long rallies and often very fit. Their slow balls give opponents little pace to use, so opponents must generate their own power, which increases the risk of errors. Many opponents become frustrated, try to end points too early and make unforced errors. Understanding this helps you avoid playing into their strengths.
Game plan
| Tactic | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Be patient | Pushers win on your errors |
| Hit deep with margin | Limits their angles and keeps them back |
| Use angles | Makes them run and opens the court |
| Drop shots and short balls | Draws them out of their comfort zone |
| Come to the net | Shortens rallies and uses their lack of pace |
| Take high balls early | Denies them time and prevents you being pushed back |
| Generate pace carefully | Slow balls need you to create your own power |
Build points patiently
Against a pusher, expect long rallies and accept them. Hit deep, heavy crosscourt balls with good margin over the net and inside the lines. Aim for consistency first, then look for opportunities. The point is not to out-push the pusher, but to move them around and wait for a short or weak ball to attack. Counting to a set number of shots before attacking can help you stay disciplined in the early part of a match.
Move them side to side and up and back
Pushers are often excellent at running side to side along the baseline. Moving them up and back can be more effective. Use short angles and drop shots to bring them forward, then pass or lob them. Many pushers are less comfortable at the net and may give you easier balls from there. Combining width and depth changes forces them to cover more court and can lead to weaker replies.
Come to the net
Pushers’ slow balls give you time to approach. When you get a short ball, hit a deep approach, usually down the line or to their weaker side, and move forward. Their passing shots tend to lack pace, which gives you time to cover the net. Be ready for lobs, since pushers often use them, and practice overheads so you can finish points confidently.
Handling moonballs
Many pushers hit high, looping balls, often called moonballs, that bounce up above shoulder height and push opponents back. Avoid retreating far behind the baseline, which gives them control. Instead, step in and take the ball on the rise or at a comfortable height, or even take it out of the air with a swinging volley when appropriate. Another option is to hit high, deep balls back, which can frustrate them and give you time. Practice handling high balls so you are comfortable in this situation.
Generating your own pace
Slow balls require you to create power with your legs, rotation and racquet speed. Move your feet to set up well, and use topspin so you can swing freely while keeping the ball in. Do not try to hit every ball hard. Vary pace, using some slower, heavy balls and occasional flatter drives when you are well positioned. Consistent depth is often more effective than raw pace.
Mental keys
The biggest challenge against a pusher is often emotional. Expect long rallies and accept them. Do not get frustrated by slow balls or moonballs. Stick to your plan even after losing a few points or games. Focus on good decisions rather than only winners, and remind yourself that errors are what pushers want. Use a between-point routine to stay calm. Many players lose to pushers because they become impatient, not because they lack skill.
Adjusting during the match
If your first plan is not working, adjust rather than simply hitting harder. Watch where the pusher is most comfortable and where they struggle. Some are excellent on the backhand but weaker on high forehands, or comfortable at the baseline but uneasy at the net. Use changeovers to decide on one change, such as more drop shots, more net approaches or higher, heavier balls to one side. Track your unforced errors mentally. If they are rising, return to more margin and patience before trying to attack again.
Step-by-step: beating a pusher
- Accept long rallies before the match starts.
- Hit deep crosscourt with margin to build points.
- Look for short balls and attack them.
- Use angles and drop shots to move them up and back.
- Approach the net behind deep approach shots.
- Take high balls early rather than retreating.
- Stay patient after errors and stick to the plan.
- Stay fit so you can compete in long matches.
Practicing for this matchup
Practice rallies where a partner hits high, slow, deep balls, and focus on staying patient and consistent. Work on approach shots, volleys and overheads. Practice drop shots and short angles. Play games where you must win the point at the net or with an angle. Build fitness for long rallies. The more comfortable you are with slow, high balls and net play, the more confident you will feel against pushers.
Using the serve
The serve is one of the best weapons against a pusher, since it lets you start points on your terms. A strong first serve can create short returns to attack. Use variety, such as wide serves to open the court and body serves to jam them. Follow good serves with an aggressive first groundstroke when the return is short, or occasionally with a serve and volley to surprise them.
Common mistakes
- Going for winners too early in rallies.
- Getting frustrated and losing focus.
- Retreating too far against moonballs.
- Never coming to the net.
- Hitting everything hard without margin.
- Abandoning the plan after losing a few points.
- Poor fitness for long matches.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pusher in tennis?
A player who returns almost everything with little pace and lots of margin, relying on consistency and opponents’ errors rather than hitting winners.
Is pushing a legitimate way to play tennis?
Yes. It is a fully legal and often effective style, especially at club and junior levels. Beating it requires patience and a plan.
What is the best shot against a pusher?
There is no single shot, but deep approach shots followed by volleys, drop shots and short angles are often effective, combined with patience.
