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). This style of play, similar to a "human backboard", often tires and frustrates more offensive opponents). They will try to win games by eliciting unforced errors from the opponent, i.e. by waiting for them to make the first mistake and losing the point). Pushers love to "dink" balls back with sidespin or backspin, placing their shots at disadvantageous locations for their opponents).
To beat a pusher, players can use drop shots or chip and charge tactics to bring them to the net and move them out of their comfort zones). Volleying from the net can also be effective against pushers). Hitting the ball at the net cuts down on the time that the ball takes to reach the other side, making it harder for the pushers to run down the ball). Even if they do reach it, chances are that their return shot will be an easy put-away). This forces the pusher to go for deeper and more angled shots, which are harder to hit without topspin).
