Playing A Talented Pusher

Here's a tennis tip -- consider changing your patterns when playing tall guys.Probably, the most frustrating thing for the typical player is playing what we call a pusher.

That's unless you're the pusher who drives everyone else crazy.

Let's first define what we mean by a pusher.

A pusher is a player who tends to get a lot of balls back with little pace, forcing his or her opponent to create all the pace and actively win the points.

Most people think pushers are inferior players because of their lack of pace and get easily frustrated when they start losing.

And, of course, not all pushers are at the same level. The really high level ones are quick as cats and put the ball in very awkward positions in the court.

So, what are some of the approaches to playing the pusher?

The first is mental. Instead of getting ticked off at the lack of classic tennis that the pusher is playing, start off by admiring their unique brand of artistry. Accept playing them as a real challenge.

If you start to lose, then try to stay calm and figure out what patterns the pusher is using to defeat you.

Often, the pusher's opponent will try to attack very early in points because the slow balls of the pusher look very inviting. Instead, be patient and vary your attacks. If attacking early isn't working then move the pusher around and then try and attack later in the point. Try to vary your pattern so that the pusher doesn't know when you're going to attack.

Avoid overhitting and try to focus on a good follow through to create depth. Wait patiently until you have a very solid attack opportunity.

Next time, we'll talk about positions on the court that the pusher hits to and what possible responses there are.

Until next time,


Glenn Sheiner M.D. - author of Insider Tennis Strategies Top Tennis Tactics For Playing The Tennis Pusher guaranteed to make you a smarter tennis player and take your tennis to the next level. Also, check out the world's top tennis humor screensaver
Tennis Cartoon Screensaver. You can download a trial version for FREE.

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Tennis Tips When Playing Tall Guys

Here's a tennis tip -- consider changing your patterns when playing tall guys.

Every few months I play a friend of mine who's a rangy 6 feet 4 inches. He's an old school attacking player with flat strokes, takes everything early, and comes to the net where he's very effective and difficult to pass or lob.

Normally, I can control baseline rallies with my groundies and be safe from attack unless I hit a short ball. However, this guy's length enables him to cut off a ton of well-hit crosscourt groundstrokes and push the ball up the line while coming in. It's very disconcerting to say the least.

I've already changed my serving pattern when playing him and tend to serve at his body instead of going for the corners. I find that it's easier to jam him than to beat him wide or down the middle.

So, the next time I play him, I'm going to hit deep down the middle and try not to give him good attacking angles.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Until next time,

Glenn Sheiner M.D. - author of Insider Tennis Strategies Top Tennis Tips To Win Big Matches guaranteed to make you a smarter tennis player and take your tennis to the next level. Also, check out the world's top tennis humor screensaver
Tennis Cartoon Screensaver. You can download a trial version for FREE.

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