Pusher (tennis)
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Counter-strategies
Playing pushers, especially in the lower levels of competition, can be difficult for players unaccustomed to their style. However, there are several counter-strategies players use to defeat pushers.
Playing the net
Bringing pushers to the net is a good way to move them out of their comfort zones.
Mental approach
Players should try to never let the pusher see them being frustrated. Pushers play with the mentality that, "It's a lot more frustrating to make a mistake than to have an opponent hit a brilliant shot that no one could have gotten."[1] A pusher's mental game is key to his or her success,[3] and an opponent who is obviously tired and angry will make the pusher more confident. Players should try to stay calm and focused to outlast and beat pushers.
Timed aggression
Employing timed aggression is another viable approach. Since pushers tend to hit few winners and lack proficient passing shots, opponents can bide their time, waiting for the opportune moment to launch an attack.[1] Exhibiting aggression when faced with a second serve is particularly effective, as it may represent the only instance during the rally where the pusher hits a shorter ball.[2] Given that many of the pusher's shots possess deep trajectory, backspin, or limited pace, opponents recognize the importance of swiftly moving towards the ball. The pusher seeks to exploit any laziness in shot approach, and reaching the ball early enables players to strike balls on the rise, generating additional pace and rendering the return more challenging. [3]
Pushers' weaknesses
Hitting a
See also
References
- ^ a b c d About.com: How to Beat Four Major Types of Tennis Opponent.
- ^ a b USTA Playing against a Pusher
- ^ a b "Tennis Server – Turbo Tennis – Junkyard Tennis: How to Play the "Pusher"". Retrieved 2008-07-17.
- ^ "Tennis Server – Turbo Tennis – When "Push" Comes to Shove". Retrieved 2008-07-17.
- ^ Tennis Pushers-5 Ways to Beat Them Archived 2010-11-25 at the Wayback Machine