If you’ve ever faced a pusher in a match, you know how frustrating it can be. This guide might just save you from a tennis nightmare! 😅

A pusher isn’t the most powerful player, but they compensate with extreme patience, consistency, and a defensive game that forces you into mistakes.

👉 Their goal? Slow down the pace, get you out of your rhythm, and make you take risks you shouldn’t.

You’ve seen it before—those high, slow, deep shots that never seem to end. Rallies feel endless, and frustration leads to unforced errors. But don’t worry—there’s a strategy to beat them.

🔴 WARNING: DON’T FALL INTO THEIR TRAP!

Pushers want you to lose patience. They hope you’ll get so frustrated that you start playing too aggressively, too soon, going for unrealistic winners.

Once you start overhitting, errors will pile up. Then, realizing you’re making mistakes, you’ll slow down and fall right into their game. At that point, they’ve won the mental battle.

👉 But you won’t let that happen.

Instead, you’ll stay mentally strong and apply a smart strategy to beat them. Let’s break it down. 👇

🟢 THE WINNING STRATEGY

1️⃣ PATIENCE & MENTAL DISCIPLINE 🧠

  • Accept that rallies will be long.

  • Build the point instead of trying to end it immediately.

  • Don’t rush—control the pace of the game and dictate the points on your terms.

2️⃣ MIX UP YOUR GAME 🎾

Pushers love predictability—they thrive in neutral, one-dimensional rallies.

👉 Your mission? Make them uncomfortable by changing:
✅ Spin: Use heavy topspin to push them back.
✅ Slice: Hit low, skidding shots to make them struggle to lift the ball.
✅ Pace: Mix up fast and slow shots to break their rhythm.

📌 GOAL: Find what disrupts them most and forces them to hit short balls.

3️⃣ ATTACK SHORT BALLS 🚀

Once they finally give you a weak, short ball, it’s your chance to take control:

✔️ Step inside the baseline and take the ball early.
✔️ Don’t go for too much—aim with margin over the net.
✔️ Choose the right angle:

  • Hit into open space to make them run.

  • Wrong-foot them by going back to the same side when they expect a crosscourt shot.

4️⃣ COME TO THE NET & FINISH THE POINT 🏆

Pushers love long baseline exchanges. If you stay back, they’ll reset the rally, forcing you into another marathon exchange.

👉 Instead, take the initiative and come forward!

✔️ Follow up strong shots by attacking the net.
✔️ Be ready for a weak reply—finish the point with a volley or smash.
✔️ Don’t let them reset the rally with another deep ball.

🔥 SUMMARY: YOUR ANTI-PUSHER STRATEGY!

✅ Stay patient: Don’t get frustrated or rush the point.
✅ Mix up your shots: Change spin, pace, and height.
✅ Wait for the short ball: Attack only when the opportunity is right.
✅ Hit with margin: Avoid unforced errors.
✅ Come to the net: End the point before they restart their defense.

👉 Remember: if you stay PATIENT and OPPORTUNISTIC, you’ll have the best chance to beat a pusher.

🔥 Now it’s your turn—try this strategy and take control of the match! 🎾💪

by Federico Coppini
https://www.coppinifedericoacademy.com/