World’s most ANNOYING tennis opponent (and why they BEAT you) - Part 2

[@saschahitzendorfer6555]

I just wanted to thank you so much for these helpful videos. Yesterday I won a match against a pusher that I usually don't win against and without your videos, I think I would have lost clearly. THANK YOU! (now I'm in the semi finals ;) )

[@EssentialTennis]

Awesome! CONGRATS and good luck!

[@saschahitzendorfer6555]

@@EssentialTennis thanks :)

[@saschahitzendorfer6555]

@Bocaprogaming55 yes i won the semi finals:) but unfortunately lost the finals :/

[@saschahitzendorfer6555]

@Bocaprogaming55 sometimes, yes

[@saschahitzendorfer6555]

@blacksnowball Austria

[@danielakerman8241]

Here’s the thing about pushers: their mindset is almost always humble and they almost always think their opponent is better than them. So their approach is just “let me just survive.” There are a lot of lessons in that!

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Excellent point with 8:10. I did that many times throughout the match. Also - we'll show more points including errors and misses in future videos. Challenged accepted : ] It makes sense - and it appears viewers want to see more tennis too. Thank you for the suggestion and thank you for analyzing our games as it's helpful to us who are looking for ways to improve.

[@EssentialTennis]

You're very welcome, Troll! Thank you for being open to adding in more errors, I really respect that! 🙏

[@RFinch44]

It reminds me of a boxer and a grappler/wrestler getting into the ring to fight. The boxer wants a straight up fight standing up and doesnt want it to go to the ground. While the wrestler wants nothing more than to fight on the ground with chokeholds etc because that's what they're good at. Different styles and different battle.

[@benkofi8570]

Tennis Troll, as a pusher myself I would like to say well played keeping your cool and not getting extremely frustrated. I would just say though you are clearly a great player but you weren't effective approaching the net most of the time because instead of going in with conviction on the approach ball, you floated it alot of the time which allowed Mr pusher to pick his spots on the passes. When you came in behind heavy ground strokes, he didn't hurt you because he didn't have time to. I swear every time I saw you float a slice approach and he picked you off at the net I wanted to scream because you had the right idea of coming in but you did it the wrong way. On a slow court (that's how it looked to me) like that, approach shots can't afford to be floated because you really expose yourself at the net. I know because last year I lost a 1st round game in an LTA tournament (I'm from England) I really should have where I lost alot of points by coming in behind floated slices that asked to be hit. Coming in a lot is a great idea against any pusher because you take their time away, one thing I will leave you with is if you play a pusher again, try an approach I like to call "a delayed approach" if you know baseball it's like a delayed steal but if you don't it's a really simple tactic: (when you are on/ inside the baseline) hit a heavy topspin ball deep but don't come in directly after contact, wait 0.5-1 seconds after hitting it before coming in. The majority of the time you should get a high volley around the service line that you can put away without too much trouble. I love and thank you for your videos, I learn a lot from them and some point soon I will record myself and I will link you and Ian the footage so that you can watch me and critique my game😁

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Ben Kofi thank you for the suggestions and watching both ET and TT. I like you idea- sneak in and hopefully opponent will hit a rally all which I can pluck from the air. I do agree with your suggestions on my approaches. Think as the match went on, I started to lose endurance (probably because I went down the line too often as Ian suggested while my opponent kept it cross court and I was the one scrambling all over the court). Therefore I think started floating more balls and my opponent started driving more balls. In second set he started attacking more. I like your idea. I’ll give it a try next we play. Thanks for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Sounds like you are good player yourself.

[@benkofi8570]

@@TennisTrollChannel I have my good days and bad days and I've learnt a lot from watching the pros for the last ten years. I can give concrete tips on how to beat pushers because I occasionally push myself and it isn't always successful. On faster surfaces I got found out quickly before I learned to be more aggressive. However I have very similar to mr green shirt before on slow surfaces

[@ajaxsf]

You should find the pusher and interview him. Even though we hate to play him we secretly love him because he exposes our flaws.

[@EssentialTennis]

LOVE that idea.

[@_luisespinosa_]

yeah, I would love to know how he learned to play tennis.

[@satjiwan]

I have some old contact info for him we can try if you want. Nice guy. Not sure how much he’d want to be a focal point.

[@danield.7359]

just subscribed to that channel because I want to see that interview.

[@RK-ft9rn]

I'm lucky enough to practice against a player exactly like him right down to his switching hands on forehands. I asked him who he loses too and his reply was to the players with solid volley/overhead that keeps the pressure on him and not allow pusher to dictate play.

[@LaoFarm]

I love playing with those pushers!!! Important prerequisites: Solid slices (back and forehand), volley well, know how to kill short balls well, know your overhead smash well, patience, attack the weak serves (I often stand very close to the service line and take it on the rise and prepare for a pop up), watch out for your unforced errors, no need to serve hard - save your energy - he່'ll dink the serves anyway, good legs and study his weaknesses (study the winning points). Yeah, these pusher will test your knowledge and skills!! They can and will expose your weaknesses! ..and respect their game style.

[@EssentialTennis]

Love your attitude, Don!

[@vijaymisra1833]

Guys,Give credit where it is due. if you ignore his non conventional strokes, this guy has awesome consistency, athleticism, and ball control. It takes a lot of hard work to achieve it. Hats off to him to beat another good conventional player.

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

Plus great anticipation

[@EssentialTennis]

Amen!

[@39thstreetmedia]

This is honestly the best resource on playing defensive players that I've ever seen. The classic refrain has just been "get to net; they can't hurt you." It's almost like people create a caricature of a pusher that has literally no shot-making or offensive ability. That's not realistic. Every player with this style I've seen has had great lobs, drop shots, and passing shots. This shows so much more understanding of what playing these players is actually like. Can't wait for the next part.

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree with you RE the "get to the net" myth. Sometimes, yes, but definitely not always! I'll be talking about it more in Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@K4R3N]

Pusher: "Let the JUNK flow through you, join the dark side."

[@J3llo3]

This is exactly what I do to them, they can’t handle junk either but this guy is a different story

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@joaodemcneto]

This new format is amazing! I just lost a match to a defensive player and the highlight "mentality trap" you just mentioned was my doom. Please keep up the great strategy content, there isn't a lot of those for us amateurs out there.

[@EssentialTennis]

Much more on the way, Joao!

[@s.charlesbrubaker3826]

Ian, you need to come down to Atlanta and play "the defensive player." He is a legend.

[@EssentialTennis]

I'd be down!

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

That would be epic 🤘

[@Mrfix-iz4di]

adsfafad are you good at tennis

[@RFinch44]

I do the same thing as TennisTroll Channel. I never like to include the errors in my videos, but I do see your point in that it gives a false sense of what "real tennis" and "real life" actually looks like. I guess that's why on average I'll have 1 hour of a footage and end up with a 4 minute video 😂😂😂😂 Also side note to echo what some other people have said in the comments. I think a match between you and the "defensive player" would be an amazing video. Especially if you added commentary to it!!

[@EssentialTennis]

I feel like its really important to show what REAL tennis is like, Richard! Thanks so much for sharing your matches with all of us.

[@RFinch44]

@@EssentialTennis Thank YOU for sharing all your commentary and tennis wisdom. It helps so many players (including myself). I really wish more people would hit that subscriber button so you can hit the goal of 215k!!

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏@@RFinch44

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

I wouldn’t want to see the entire video all the time, especially when the pauses are not trimmed out. Having stats available is super helpful but those take time to get generated

[@kakoiijing]

Ian, thank you so much to making video tutorials like this, this really recalled my own memory of dealing with pushers in the past, such a nightmare back then, especially when playing in 3.0 category. I could comfortably win a 4.0 match yet ended up losing to a 3.0 pusher a bagel somehow, which really frustrated me back then.

[@TennisTrollChannel]

TennisTroll looks really good in the thumbnail : ]

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@ProfessorBoooty]

Dude, we all want you rematch with that guy. Is it possible? )))

[@TennisTrollChannel]

ProfessorBoooty we will. I plan to upload green shirt playing another opponent Saturday. He is also open to playing more opponents for our channel which is exciting. We will have a rematch in future. However, I’m still mentally exhausted : ] Actually, we have several new players that want to be feature on channel so currently scheduling them first. We’ll have our rematch soon. Also I must watch Essential Tennis’ third video before I play him again : ]

[@Gidoza]

TennisTroll Channel what if he is also waiting for the 3rd video? This is like a game of chess, this rematch is exciting haha

[@K4R3N]

What if Ian is the Pusher but in disguise?😂

[@jasrajjagdev2850]

Please bring the part 3 ASAP

[@EssentialTennis]

Coming soon!

[@chjcptt]

I just subscribed. Very informative video. Learn a lot of good concepts and just realised some of the errors from my own play. Thank you!

[@jamesleem.d.7442]

This is a fascinating topic. I have enjoyed your careful examination of the Pusher Game. Back in my tennis-playing days there was a highly ranked player here in the midwest who had the most unorthodox game I've ever seen for a guy who won so many amateur tournaments, both singles and doubles. I watched him many times drive really good players (4.5s etc) nuts, and mainly because of his weird backhand that was essentially fool-proof and hit exactly like that of the famous Francois Dürr, who was said to swipe the ball on her backhand just like she had a fly swatter in her hand. In other words, the guy hit both his forehand and backhand ground strokes with the SAME side of the strings. I think his deadly secret was that he LOOKED like a pusher, and had a very simple serve that rarely went out, yet he was actually not a pusher at all but just a very smart fellow who uniquely "saw" a whole point as it unfolded. I have been beaten badly by this guy in tournament play. I always (but wrongly) figured any very low ball to his backhand would be hard for him to return offensively, but I learned that this was not true.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great comments, James!

[@johnjhope]

So true in that when someone really carves the ball, I almost always do the same back. Why do I do that? Like some kind of mental tick. Glad you pointed it out as a common issue. I will more consciously try to overcome this bad habit going forwards. Great video, again.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful, J H!

[@satjiwan]

A good slice should/could often be met with another good slice. (Not those pro rallies when its 5-10 slices in a row). It’s hard to attack a good slice and easy to overhit it. The problem in the video is the tennis troll didn’t hit a very good reply slice (maybe because he doesn’t hit that many and practice them the way the pusher does). Also the righty slice down the line to the lefty’s backhand can be more fruitful and slow enough to get you to recover cross court. Or let you come in for a net finish off his weaker side.

[@shaydelgado7628]

awesome instructional! The monitor supplement really helps! Where can one get that?

[@Arun-Arasan]

Great breakdown! I fall into these traps through sheer exhaustion - mental and physical, of playing defensive players. Dying to get to the third one. Have a bunch of defensive players here and every match feels like running a marathon.

[@EssentialTennis]

Here's Part 3! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@Sportrush947]

Excellent analysis, scramble game from defensive player and down the line shots a mistake i have made too a lot before. Thank you Ian great video

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@seregener]

It is hard to get under a good slice with a topspin shot. That leads to a lot of sliced returns of slices, or a lot of plunked into the net shots.

[@EssentialTennis]

Very true.

[@Einar2008]

I think what we need to think about is what kind of topspin we're trying to send back. If you're looking to hit more aggressively to go for a winner or to stretch the pusher, you're very correct it's difficult for a lot of us to do. But getting down a little to hit a rally ball that clears the net with 3' of clearance should be a doable thing for most 3.5+ players.

[@johnyang1420]

When you push and bring home a trophy, there is no asterisk thats says “Yeah, he won, but he pushed” A win is a win.

[@vikram2085]

You must be a pusher.

[@shubhampagariya]

You helped me winning many matches . THANKS 🙏

[@DepthCharge01]

That defensive player somewhat reminds me if Gilles Simon in terms of style. Mainly defensive but will be selectively aggressive. Most dangerous type of defensive player I guess. As for highlights, that's why sometimes I just analyze more of how the points are being played out, as well as see if the winners were reasonable or what not, in highlight videos. But definitely true of highlights in general. They're mainly just candy and not the main course. Even for educational purposes, it's hard to use at a certain beginner level. Love that you called out the BS on how deceptive the video was.

[@izm4life]

Great coaching thx

[@FBtnnis]

I recorded a match for my friend a few yrs ago where he was playing against a "pusher/runner" type player. Once we got the footage on his computer, we were talking about hating to play "pushers" but mostly b/c we lose to them :) I noticed that while playing this "pusher" my friend also employed a safer, pusher style rather than his normal aggressive game. So, I actually taped some paper to the top and bottom of the screen and then asked my friend to come back in the room and tell me which shots were his and which the "pushers" shots. He couldn't consistently tell the difference. It made me think that regardless of how pushers hit the ball (ugly, chop-n-drop, pushy), the result of the shot is all that matters.

[@Charovfam5364]

Really nice job on vids Ian + crew. Keep this going! 215K!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Charovfam5364]

@@EssentialTennis what do you think is one of the most Important things for a 2 handed bachand?

[@stimsingh9361]

So I am this 4.0-4.5 usta player. same game style. However, no massive weapons. When playing against an equal skilled player, I can't figure out what type of style will win. I use a red light-green light strategy when to actually hit out vs. being consistent. I can play multiple styles (high top spin, heavy BL, net approach) but don't know exactly when the right time to execute that style. Its like Greg Dimitrov syndrome...

[@demand61]

What stands out besides your great analysis is that the “non-Pusher” hits a lot of neutral rally balls at the middle of the court. I’m not saying one should be painting the lines, but in some rallies every ball is hit at a 6x6 area around the T. Same thing in the new video of The Pusher that went up today.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great observation!

[@atrem7942]

Beating a pusher is a mental thing. First stop judging their style of play. It is, what it is. Accept their way of playing. Accept they make you work for every point. Make you suffer for every point you loose. Don't waste any mental energy on it. Note, Only a much better player is able to over power their weak techniques so much they lose big & fast. Patience is the name of the game. I try to get them on the run in panic mode. Often enough 75 % of your normal tempo, is enough to make it very difficult for them. If running doesnt work try pinning them down in on cornerother advices would be keeping the ball deep on their court side as close the baseline as you can without an error.. Never try to beat them at their own game draw them into your game. A pusher gives you all sorts of valuable information about the flaws in your game..To most players a pusher works like poison to your game slowly breaking it down till you end up joining the pushing game losing in 3 long sets. There is a turning point in the matter. Some very high skilled players even at the top pro level. Work like a pusher or a defensive style of play leaching of your opponents mistakes or just wait to counter a weak shot. My problem is as go for many I have an attacking mindset, I want to be the one in control of the point dictating tempo from behind the baseline, speed acceleration during the rally all my decision, i learned if let myself get hung up about stuff he does or should be doing. My feet are the first to stop moving like a butterfly and my shots stop stinging like a bee soon after all is over.If you also have a defensive mindset yourself you are used to wait, now only nothing happens. If you lose against a pusher you lost because he is better at winning the game of tennis then you are. Because he got a plan, you didn't.

[@Charovfam5364]

really really nice reasoning. Thanks!

[@atrem7942]

@@Charovfam5364 thanks I am just a European coach supporting this channel. It's really great teaching, I do think a coach on your side while practicing giving the right feedback still is needed. But if I could get my students watch specific videos in advance it would make my job easier my students well informed more effective teaching more progress equals more happy students.

[@EssentialTennis]

@@atrem7942 Awesome comments! Love your mindset, at rem79!

[@Charovfam5364]

@@albertcamus5970 I somewhat agree but what you should try to do for a pusher is to try to mess up their consistency

[@tennisdude1017]

In short the main thing is to be patient and keep a calm mentality through out the match even if you lose points just stay light on your feet and eat something on the change overs. Ghosting in to the net could be an option but only when you force the opponent into a uncomfortable shot otherwise stay back and give lots of shots to there weakness most importantly cross court as this gives you low margined for error

[@bbogdanmircea]

There is something a lot of pro players say before/after matches: I want to play my game. That means that you know what kind of situations you want to create where you are better than most other players. In my opinion Tennis Troll is also some kind of pusher, but his pushing is more good looking, I mean by this that his topspin are very low speed and they get so easily returned from every position. Probably I would get destroyed by the other player, as I have no patience whatsoever and usually end beating myself by trying to hit winners after 2-3 shots though :(

[@EssentialTennis]

We're all "pushers" compared to players many levels above us.

[@jgwil2]

@@EssentialTennis That's a good point. In some sense a pusher is really just somebody who uses tactics to get them farther than their technique would alone. That's not a bad thing! We should all aspire to maximize our success given our abilities.

[@timothybreen8956]

This is such a great video series Ian...I can play the Push game really well and am dying to get the keys to beating me!

[@EssentialTennis]

Here's Part 3! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@HPontara1]

You do an answer to every coment. Thats amazing hahaha. One thing I want to point out is that this annoying player is really talented. He hits with continental a lot of times and with precision. And he have a lot of awareness of the court and tatics. Be aware that he is also good vs drop shots! I think many dont appreaciate a player like him, but I really do. I like this diversity a lot and I learned from him to

[@EssentialTennis]

Agree with you 100%. Here's Part 3! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@tuckerslaw]

feed me the junk! lol enjoyed the video. I love playing pushers, it's a good litmus test for your game. Wasn't until I really drilled and got coaching on my volleys that I found beating them a lot easier. Never ever underestimate them or anyone in a match, no matter how bad their technique is......

[@bganjavian]

By far the best tennis in KZbin and have watched almost all of them

[@MichaelSienkiewicz]

This is so much fun to watch, and interesting lesson.

[@EssentialTennis]

❤🙏

[@mtshogo]

Really good video series! Can’t wait for video 3! Ps: would deep top spin shots in the middle + going to the net resolve the passing shot problem?

[@EssentialTennis]

Here's Part 3! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@mtshogo]

Will watch first hand! Awesome channel!

[@jaimegut11]

Thank you for these lindo of videos! I love them! Hope to see More

[@EssentialTennis]

Here's part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@raakkhipohuja]

Oh God! I have a match in the next month and my opponent is the same. Only Pushers and Lobs 🙃 He has won all the practice matches too against the best players in the academy . Thanks Ian! This is helpful. Also the Thumbnail really is the appropriate expressions of the players

[@peek_a_boo4168]

If I have to play against this kind of player I adjust and play like my opponent. I did this for many years with a really precise lob shot to beat net players. My best strategy against other players is just wait and play with a lot of spin (I play on clay) to make them move and let the ball bounce really high

[@michaelstrong2157]

Love the "junk for junk" analogy. I used to think just that. LOL.

[@stantonloh5893]

You have great analyses. With horror I realize not only do I lack the skills to turn the game against this pusher - I am a less adept version of the pusher. I am off to bury my racquet in the back yard.

[@EssentialTennis]

Don't give up!

[@marco76uk1]

Great second part. For anyone who has no respect for pushers and thinks they "aren't playing tennis", it's a really important reality check when you think how to beat them and realise well, they love to hit lobs and passing shots, they love to block power, they love to get into a metronomic rhythm, they love to return junk with junk, and they love to scramble for balls. So in what way are they no good at tennis?

[@EssentialTennis]

Totally agree, Marco!

[@Mrjpp321]

I like this way to present the match...Greetings from Peru...

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@joemarshall4226]

BTW, Ian, I think you really have something going on here by playing these videos of good amateur tennis...in some ways, it is just as entertaining as the pros...there is a lot of strategy going on. The thing you did with you and your friend Ira commenting on your match between each game was really entertaining.

[@pranavkp1728]

Great video, eager for part 3

[@EssentialTennis]

Coming soon!

[@paytonortiz5984]

Great video series again! I always try to post long rallies that end in an error or winners that my opponents play, as evident in your past use of my footage! I wonder if "the defensive player" has seen these videos? Haha

[@EssentialTennis]

He has 🙂

[@staticeu90]

I am playing a tournament this weekend thanks!

[@UchihABitachi]

Hi Ian, there is this older gentleman in the public park who is not as athletic as this man, but is also a pusher with the addition of being good at net. He is also not easily beaten at the baseline and would take any opportunity to rush the net. He's really good at just "donking" the ball back and also good at lobs. Can also hit fast balls and some heavy topspin offensive shots, but not often. He is the type of player where he is comfortable with the drop shot bc he likes to rush the net and has a high percentage of winning all his matches. Usually a nightmare to play against in doubles as well. As far as singles goes, how would you play against this man?

[@UchihABitachi]

Note, I have used heavy and high percentage ground strokes with offensive drop shots (when he's far) with success, but this doesn't happen all too often bc he will usually put you in an awkward position with his short slices or drop shots and lobs (master of lobs)

[@cashmason374]

For Tennis Troll, thank you for sharing this. You have a very nice game in terms of the shots you can hit. I would suggest working on your overhead. All the overheads I saw were medium pace hit right back to the center of the court. Easy for a pusher to hit back. Hit your overheads to either side of the court. It doesn't have to be close to the lines, just make him move. If you can get some pace on your overheads and put them 10 feet from the sidelines you will have lots of chances for easy winners against the defensive player.

[@EssentialTennis]

He does have a great game!

[@MarcoSolidx]

I got a suggestion for a video. How to counter players good at drop shot, like how to return buying more time as possible or how to observe the stance and run for the net before he making the shot or trying to make your shots hard to return with a drop, think that would be interesting

[@EssentialTennis]

Great idea!

[@klausgrafoner7032]

Helpful Thanks

[@jakeheap7197]

Adjust. Find their "weakest" shot and pin them down on it. Some times their "weakest" shot appears good but is exposed by a pattern. Especially if they are a scrambler (like "green shirt"). Put them in one spot and make them hit out of it. Take their ability to hit winners on the run away while you aren't out of position. Chances are the pusher will begin to pattern themselves while they are pinned. My pusher nemesis, a scrambler, has a good backhand that he can hit sharply cross-court. But, that or a defensive lob, is his backhand from the baseline. He finds it difficult to go down the line. When he does, it's usually a floater than can be charged, taken on the volley and put away. I try to pin him BEHIND the baseline on his backhand and then wait -in position- for a mistake. Needless to say, no junk-for-junk. I will fake a charge to the net occasionally to bait him to lob. (He's catching on to that, BTW) Patience pays off.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great comments, Jake!

[@envise]

"Put them in one spot and make them hit out of it. " - an excellent counter intuitive tip! Thanks!

[@timothybreen8956]

I am a Pusher and you are on to it, Jake. I would say that trying to play someone like me and trying to beat me with a deep and down the middle mindset would be difficult though. I have had a rally of over 100 shots numerous times. I will make most player wish for a root canal rather than a rematch

[@twostroke12v71]

1 handed back hand user here. Ive had so many people tell me to run around the backhand and hit a forehand . instead I step into no man's land and take it on a half volley approach. A few of those leaves them stunned. Self ranked 3.5 here not a pro

[@gavinod1973]

I am playing a player like this in my next match of a tournament, need part III quick !

[@EssentialTennis]

Should be out Friday or Saturday. Good luck!

[@gavinod1973]

Thanks Ian, won the match and the tournament (first singles title @ 47!) Thanks to your tips.

[@tds7078]

It’s funny how pushers are always criticized but predictably aggressive players aren’t... I love variation and keeping my opponent nervous. I include deep slices and drop shots to keep them guessing. It’s worked for me in many matches but I’ve been described as a “pusher.” Whatever works, works in my opinion.

[@adimperial]

Troll needs better anticipation and court sense. He should have taken a few steps forward after his serve expecting a short chip return so he can do more with it. Then of course better placement of approach shots. Also reply to the short chips with short chips of his own, bringing the pusher forward off the baseline. Troll also needs to learn to move forward when pusher is in trouble and finish more points at the net. Those are a few of several glaring issues.

[@vlaseansmithen3305]

Love the thumbnail! 😭😂

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@vlaseansmithen3305]

@@EssentialTennis So the player in the green's tactic was to get Tennis Troll to hit foolishly and slow him down so that he lost?

[@ericdesilvestre3125]

I disagree about the reasons highlighted why the other player loses points against pusher on this video. Actually almost on every points displayed, it is the pusher who is on offense by hitting short sliced balls to attract the other player close to the net and then pass him. The other player is always caught by this trap and has no solution to escape. I believe it would be more appropriate and useful on these examples to explain how to react in front of a pusher who constantly attract you to the net with short balls

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate your thoughts!

[@vihaanaglawe4678]

Sir kindly start this offer again please

[@dannyh.6447]

Love the vids Ian, keep 'em coming. One thing tho, the scrolling on screen is hard to watch for me. I think just play and pause with a remote would help you deliver your message even better.

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the feedback, Danny!

[@cdahl]

Is that a Völkl C10 Pro in the ball catcher?

[@sjd4532]

I have seen the video before you did the analysis, but man your analysis are spot on. Thanks for making these videos.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you like them! Be sure to see Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@stans2244]

I very much recognise myself in this pusher. I'm probably more junkballer-y than this pusher. The best thing to do against me, from my experience, is to play heavy balls straight at me. It's impossible to create angles, and very difficult to junkball back.

[@briandmello1981]

Ian, if the guy is drawing his opponent to the net then since you are at the net, just finish with a drop shot or low slice no?

[@EssentialTennis]

Possibly, I'll be talking about it in Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@OverTheHillMTB]

who's the pusher in this video? great series!

[@pabloricciardi1886]

I think ... that the best way is to be patient. Recognize the game and the player in front of it and look for its weakness. backhand, hanging in motion ... something must be there. If my game is not enough, seek your weakness without despair.

[@UchihaGege]

I notice that the majority od the balls, are short and I don't get it. Plus there is a lack of curve balls usually you have to give them curve ball with top spin to deal with and then go to short cross court for example attack. Personnaly I am a bad tennis player kind of pusher. I try to control the maximum , and play more defense then offense. I use to loose a lot against pushers , now maybe less

[@cheffren7011]

I hate playing pushers? I am quite fast and I am quite agressive but I just don't have the fire power and consistency to win vs them. This video was very helpful.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josepharifin1037]

I use the battering ram hard and deep to the backhand because i'm a lefty. It works pretty well for me.

[@EssentialTennis]

Now we're talking!

[@educypriano2]

I am a lefty as well. My local pusher, however, has a very reliable slice backhand and always give me loopy deep balls back so it does not work. He also uses a frying pan serve and, despite, I lost the two matches we played. Infuriating!

[@dammitol25mg19]

@@educypriano2 totes relate

[@MarcoSolidx]

I got a friend who I play, he’s a pusher with a decent serve and I’m not. Until recently we were even in number of wins, so when he throws at me a bit higher ball, I use the chance to hit back a slice with a low bounce that forces he leave baseline, with him at the net I either lobby him or hit strong, but I admit if his net skills were good I would be in trouble

[@nsebast]

My coach always give slice low balls that bounce at the middle of the court which puts you in limbo left and right. It's frustating to play against him.

[@UchihABitachi]

I feel like I just went through tennis therapy. I almost cried in the end like, "yes.. Yes! I do get frustrated with random junk balls, then try to send junk back and all of the sudden I'm getting run around, play the guessing game, and am passed. 😭" You have really isolated the issue here clearly for us to see and I guess I'll just respond with a strong high percentage shot cross court and move him around until I get a weak reply.

[@DavenAtma]

Hi, great channel! Great videos and lessons! I somewhat disagree with you on your first point, however. I don’t think most people are looking at this situation the right way. Most are far too dismissive of Green Shirt Guy as ‘just a pusher’ etc. due to his very unconventional style and technique (the type of strokes he’s using are deliberate). Make no mistake, this guy knows exactly what he’s doing and he’s very good at it. He knows how to beat intermediate level players (like myself). He is actually the one in control of the points most of the time as he executes his main tactic. I don’t mind elaborating if anyone is interested…

[@EssentialTennis]

Did you watch video 1 in this series??

[@DavenAtma]

@@EssentialTennis Yes, I did. Please don't misunderstand my sentiment. I think you and your channel are excellent and I have learned much. I just think that there is one very important factor that is being somewhat overlooked here, in my humble opinion (and through my own journey in learning how to overcome this type of player). Green Shirt Guy is employing a very specific tactic in order to exploit what he knows is most intermediate level players' (often glaring) weakness. Our 'inside' game. Our 'panic' zone.

[@DavenAtma]

Most of us at this level have a reasonably proficient game from the baseline. Our groundstrokes and serves are usually decent enough to get the job done against other conventional style players at our level. He knows that, and so he doesn't want to play that more conventional game. We know that he can (and sometimes does) hit a more conventional type of ball from his forehand (especially when passing), but he deliberately chooses to slice/chop instead. He keeps these balls short and low as he can. This puts alot of players like me in a very uncomfortable situation (not as much anymore). He wants to draw us into this part of the court where we are typically weakest. We usually cannot drive this short low slice ball with a forcefull groundstroke and so end up giving him a very hitable ball while leaving ourselves in a part of the court where we are usually very uncomfortable. Now we have to either continue forward (he's a very good passer and also a good lobber - as they usually are) and panic mode for players like me with volleying skills and overheads 1/2 to one whole level lower than our baseline game, or we will have to retreat back to the baseline where we feel more comfortable (usually not a good option).

[@DavenAtma]

This part is directed mostly toward other intermediate players who struggle with this type of player... Secret: Take that tactic away from him. Get good at and very comfortable being inside the court. Learn what options you can use on those low short sliced balls that will not leave you exposed to being passed or lobbed outright. Get at least as good at winning points inside the baseline using volleys, half-volleys, overheads as you are at the baseline. Spend a lot of time up there when practicing. I like to play a game where I am at net and there are two at the baseline. Keep score. Both sides have to hit into the singles court. Learn how to win these points and games to 21 or whatever. Get very good at hitting forcefull and well placed overheads! Hit lots and lots of overheads every week! Get any random stranger or friend or fellow tennis player to feed you a hopper of lobs as often as you can. Don't leave the practice court without hitting a hopper full of overheads! Tennis Troll is a much better player than me but I noticed that even he struggled with his overheads. Take the lob away from this type of player! Get very good at putting these balls away! All the best in your endeavors. Cheers...

[@almom2]

Thanks, great info

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@albertozabeo77]

I have a good slice backhand, that stays low. Pushers cant handle it

[@Ben-bg1dn]

hmm.. I actually recently beat a pusher by pushing even harder myself. There was no limit to the junk balls. So many 20+ rallys and a tight score. Felt awful afterwards though...

[@Radnally]

The Green Monster is not to be disrespected. His rath is to be feared.

[@Ponias]

Does it tell something if our game videos end up being 12 minutes max (edited), with all the points included? 🤔 We wanted to record our games for ourselves and our own advancement so we didn't even think of leaving bad points out of the cut.

[@peterochester2320]

I watch many of TT's matches and he consistently hits short. Watch his returns against a weak serve. What happens when DP plays doubles?

[@charithasirimanna5033]

Man that forehand slice is what i use on slow balls as my forehand goes long if i attack too much, but i have gotten so used to that i can actually hit that to the baseline T. people hate me for that.. :)

[@garrydhintz8017]

What you do when they become that defensive is you become defensive and don't open yourself up to passing shots and forced errors because they are trying to open you up to strike so your object is to trade jabs and try to get them to make the mistake. Pushers hate being beaten at thier own game. They hate being caught out of position and that's why you need to bait them and catch them out of position. Creativity kills. Serve and volley is so lost in today's game. Be good at your strength but get good at protecting your weakness.

[@123Perillo]

I wonder how long does a match between 2 pushers last

[@EssentialTennis]

Forever.

[@TeresasSweets]

I’ve played against a pusher in the finals and I’m not a pusher, it was 3 hours. Imagine 2 pushers🙀

[@marcomonti9823]

In my town two players similar to the one in the video did a match of only 2 sets that lasted 6h 1/2...

[@TeresasSweets]

Marco Monti ohhhhh my

[@jenniferd.7384]

Had a semi final yesterday in 90°F heat, a gruelling 3 sets, 3 hours long😬🥵but i won against the pusher...after having gained some composure and sticking towhat i do best.🤩😋

[@vipuljams]

Incredible analysis Ian. I've played 3 junk ballers in a row a the 4.5 level recently. Good lord, its tough to stay mentally focused on the task at hand! Also, my ankles and knees have never taken such a brutal pounding!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Definitely tough! Keep up the good work, Vipul!

[@envise]

Interesting. I was thinking that these kind of players are rate at 4.5

[@RamaSivamani]

How good is the defensive player shown here at net play. I wonder if instead of point one where said going to the against doesn't work because he has good passing shots, what about drawing him in and forcing him to play at the net. If he has great defence on the baseline but is not comfortable hitting volleys at the net pulling him in and then passing him may be the way to beat him.

[@101bajan]

Hey, road tennis player...my idea of being a pusher, is that you need to move your opponents where you want them and limit what they can do, yh everybody does that but pushers imo change the pace of the game more often than normal players

[@cashmason374]

I have always been a medium pace player, get the ball back in play all of the time. Dad taught me as a child what Ian teaches 75% of points are won off the other players' mistakes not your winners. I love it when other players hit the ball hard. My game was based on my ability to run. I will run down every shot you hit at me all day long. I will move you around the court and see how well you hit your hard shots on the run and if you can keep the ball in play 5 shots in a row that way. I know you will come to the net, so I learned to lob well, and I love to hit passing shots. I can pass you easily if you are out of position. If you have an attacking overhead and you can keep your approach shots deep you can beat me. I love it when you bring me to the net as I volley well and it just gives me more angles to make you run and gives me chances for medium-paced winners.

[@EssentialTennis]

Love it, Cash! Be sure to check out Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@R.Harms77]

As someone who hasn’t seen the video everytime I get dragged into the net I would be playing drop shots and dragging him in take him to where he is uncomfortable

[@IceCubebestyoucuberno1]

Make a vedio on these kind of player which having flat forehand

[@EssentialTennis]

I'll add that idea to my list!

[@homosapien5156]

On their day, they make an hour long match 20 minutes long

[@dadsfreetimeclassicgaming1220]

It would be nice if troll used a few tactics to throw the junker off his position. Maybe used his spin for short angles. A dropper to pull the junker to the net and then the pass. Or maybe one heavy spun moonball. The slices are tricky but its not like its a super high quality ball. Im interested to see part 3.

[@EssentialTennis]

Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rYnqiDbqiVf6s

[@dadsfreetimeclassicgaming1220]

@@EssentialTennis cheers

[@tennisace40]

Bottom line the court doesn’t care how a shot was hit.if it’s over the net and in the court.its good.I’m known as a slicer but a hard slicer.probably called a pusher sometimes but I don’t care.Last on to hit the ball in wins.

[@jayisapunk]

I remember one time I came off a really bad loss to a pusher and I was complaining all about them and my dad just said "Well if you ever wanna see a room full of trophies, head to the pusher's house." People use pusher as a curse word but its really just frustratingly effective.

[@EssentialTennis]

hahaha

[@jenniferd.7384]

My semi final the other day....phew glad i gathered my compsure ,applied my tennis knowledge and ended up winning after a grueling , 3 set, 3 hr match 😎🤩

[@EssentialTennis]

Nice work!

[@wLie-yd3vx]

Trol is clearly right handed. Anticipation and footwork is too good

[@guiabramides]

Im a proud "pusher" and I hope this video dont reach my opponents hahaha. First of all, tennis has no time, and no scoring for "beauty" or "technique". So yes, you will have to suffer to beat us. Imagine this on clay (where we play here) hahaha. But let me tell you, my worst loss until today was to a player who would always net rush after the first deep ball on my court. I think he was smart because he exchanged balls with margin until he could throw me a deep ball and rush the net. So I call him a smart net rusher, and thats can be good and effective. Besides that loss, i always tend to have close 3rd set losses if I don't win (my level is about a good 3.5) Me, as a pusher, learned from his game how to play against smart net rushers. I like to invite those guys to the net, but of my way, and not on theirs, just like you show in the video. I dont mind running as a crazy through all the court and you were spot on on this too. But till today, I think he is the worst kind of player to face. Worst than another pusher, but not worst than a lefty pusher. This is the ultimate test haha

[@EssentialTennis]

Love it!

[@smftrsddvjiou6443]

Now, this pusher has good touch and is a good player. First thing, you have to accept and appreciate this fact. Next, he will make you taking the difficult shots, as mentioned. My tactics was to hit high , but slow, top spin balls , going for the baseline and their backhand. Most pushers like flat balls.

[@MCGaar]

I beat a pusher regularly now who was beating me. Don’t play his game. Don’t slow down your swing or game. Hit out on the ball. Placement is key as well

[@MAELOB]

Thanks for the video, by the way troll was winning the match, but very painfully. LOL Agree he was making it it more difficult that It should have been. He fell in the trap as you mentioned on playing in the defensive players hands. He had a lot of opportunities of hitting good solid rally groundstrokes out of soft midcourt balls to either put defensive player in difficulty without been too risky.

[@ProjectsandReviewsZone]

*_Question is when 2 pushers push each other does it look like a sea lion fight?_*

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@Invesre]

I would play steady deep high topspin, when closer to net a dropshot or topspin cross angles. Overall less forcing to hit winers. But its hard to judge from vid. I dont think he ever came to net, so maybe try to bait into the net xD