How to Beat a Pusher: The Playbook

Every club player has lost to a pusher and walked off the court muttering that "they do not even hit real shots." That is exactly what pushers want you to think. The pusher game is a strategy — a good one — and beating it takes a strategy of your own.

Rule 1: Do not try to overpower them

The number one reason players lose to pushers is trying to hit through them. Every rocket you fire is one more chance to miss. Pushers thrive on your errors — they do not need to make winners because you will make 30 unforced errors trying to hit them.

Accept the truth: you are going to have to construct points, not blast them.

Rule 2: Come to the net

Pushers hate volleyers. Their whole game is built on time and depth. Take both away and the game falls apart.

Approach off any short ball. Approach off the slice they float to you at midcourt. Once you are at the net, angle volleys away — do not just punch them back into the middle of the court.

Rule 3: Use the drop shot

Pushers stand deep. Sometimes ten feet behind the baseline. A well-disguised drop shot pulls them forward, and pushers are almost universally terrible at moving forward and hitting on the run. Two or three drop shots in a match will disrupt their entire rhythm.

Rule 4: Attack the second serve

Pushers usually have safe second serves. Move in, step around it, hit an aggressive return with a plan — and follow it into the net if possible.

Rule 5: Vary your pace

Pushers time medium-pace balls beautifully because that is what they see all day. Mix in heavy topspin, a slice, a moonball of your own, and a flat drive. The variety is what breaks their rhythm.

Rule 6: Stay mentally patient

This is the hardest part. You will hit 15-shot rallies. You will win points that took two minutes. You cannot get angry, because anger produces errors, and errors are what the pusher is farming.

Between points, breathe. Reset. Remind yourself: they are going to make you play, and you are willing to play.

Rule 7: Have a plan for every point

Do not rally without purpose. Every point should start with a specific first-strike idea — usually a wide serve, aggressive return, or approach shot. Points without a plan drift into rallies where the pusher wins.

Beat a pusher once and you will realize it is not a mystical skill. It is a specific matchup with a specific solution. Bring the plan; leave the frustration off the court.