Also called a counter-puncher or pusher, the defensive baseliner is one tough opponent that everybody wants to know how to beat. Why? Because he is capable of hitting a lot of balls back and staying with you in a rally “all day”…

Their main goal is not to try to hit winners but instead to wait for their opponent to lose points through unforced errors. 

They are gifted with good stamina and can run many shots down; they are quick and usually have dependable groundstrokes and passing shots. They are patient and perseverant, calm and focused and they base their game on consistency and placement. 

Playing at the net is usually a pusher’s weakness. Often, they move back away from the net as soon as they get there. 

Pushers don’t finish the points; they wait for their opponents to lose the points. 

It is very hard to outplay this type of player because every ball you hit usually comes back. It does not come back hard… it just comes back. Whenever you think you got him and you are about to finish the point, you find yourself getting back in the battle again.  

Tactics to beat the Defensive Baseline Player (Pusher)

– Since coming up to the net is his weakness… then bring him up to the net. Use drop shots often then lob him or hit aggressively to his feet if he tries to recover to the baseline. 

– The pushers are very comfortable in moving side to side along the baseline, so get him out of his comfort zone by making him move forth and back: drop shots and moon balls. 

– Also, move the ball at short angles from side to side to have him chase it down and open the court on his side. Look more for opening the court and tiring him out, and then try to finish the point when you get a shorter ball and an opening. Once you move him off the court with an angled shot don’t give him time to recover – step inside the baseline and take the ball early. Don’t over-hit the ball when trying to finish the point; hit it just hard enough so you can control its placement. 

– Going for winners might be a frustrating task for you because you will find most of your best shots returned with very little effort. 

– If you feel comfortable at the net, move up any time you can. Attack with a low slice or whenever you can make him reach for the ball. Those are times when he will not be likely to pass you easily. In fact, attacking the net against the pusher could be one of the best tactics if you feel comfortable playing there. Once at the net, you can put the ball away easier either with aggressive volleys, drop shots, or overheads. 

He’ll likely lob you most of the time if you attack the net, so prepare to put the overheads away. Hit your volleys at short angles or drop them shortly to bring the pusher closer to the net or make him reach forward. 

– Mentally, go into this kind of battle being patient and ready to have a possibly very long match. Even though you might think that the pusher’s style of play is below yours (underestimating him), I’d suggest that you change your mind… Take it as a great challenge that you will find very satisfying to overcome. They present, in fact, very serious competition to any player. They might not be technically great but their perseverance and athleticism will compensate by proving them very worthy opponents. 

I like to welcome playing pushers in practice because they help me become a more patient and consistent player and they improve the mental side of my tennis personality too.