I had a conversation the other day with a buddy from my tennis club about what a pusher was. It all started when I called him a pusher and he got a bit offended. I didn’t intend it as an insult, because this person has beaten me every time we play. it’s more like a style of play.
I looked up the definition of a pusher and here is what I found:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pusher_(tennis)
In tennis, a pusher is a defensive player who “pushes” back any shot they can chase down, without deliberately hitting a winner. They can angle shots, aim deep, as well as produce effective lobs. Pushers are extremely quick and consistent, rarely making errors.
I would say that is a compliment.
Now another definition I found on a forum is not so attractive:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=58284
Pusher tennis players win by relying nearly exclusively on their opponent’s unforced errors. They block, bunt or poke the ball with the goal of “just getting it back.” Pushers aim for just beyond the T in their opponent’s back court. This target gives them the largest margin for error.
They give you no power, no pace, no depth or placement. They just “get it back.” The strokes of the Pusher are never full and flowing. They have little ability to employ topspin. Any “passing shots” the Pusher hits are hardly intentional. (But they never act surprised when a shot of theirs becomes unreturnable.)
Pushers have unshakable psyches. Mind games and insults about their lack of “real” tennis ability have no effect on them. (They tell anyone in the Club about the times they beat the local High School “hero” in straight sets.) Pushers are completely aware that tennis competitors are not scored on “style”. They care only about the “W / L column.” Pushers are content with the fact that they will never be at the top of the 4.0 ladder; they know most Club payers don’t advance beyond 3.5 … and since they are in the upper third of the 3.5 ladder, they are content.
Pushers are some of the friendliest and most outgoing members of the Club. They are always willing to help fill-in to complete your doubles court (which usually elicits groans from the other two players on your court).
There are no pushers in the pro ranks. None. The Pusher tops out at the 4.0 level.
There is a lot of confusion about being a defensive player, baseliner, and a pusher.