How to Deal with the 'No Pace' Ball by Jon Schaff, Racquet Sports Director

In my 24 years of teaching tennis, the most frequently asked question is, "How can I beat a pusher?"  A 'pusher' is a player who stays mainly at the baseline and gets every ball back usually high and slow.  This extreme consistency causes impatience in the opponent and they end up going for too much, making many unforced errors.  Here are a few ways to deal with the no pace ball.

One common tactic I see players try to use against the no pace ball, which, by the way, never works, is to use the no pace ball themselves.  These are the matches that last four hours.  This is what the 'pusher' wants.  Avoid this strategy at all costs.  They are better at it than you are. 

The best way to beat the no pace game is to get to the net more often.  A ball with no pace cannot scream pass you while you are at the net, so you should have many possible volley put-aways.  Beware, this player does have a good lob.  I recommend hitting many overheads during the match warm-up, and when you come into the net during the match stop one step further from the net than normal.  This will help you get to more overhead smashes.

Another tip is to stand a step closer to the baseline during the points.  Remember a no pace ball will not bounce as far as a ball with heavy pace.  This will send the ball back to them sooner giving them less time to set up which should lead to short shots and get you to the net.  I also recommend standing a step or two closer to the service line when returning their serve.  Again this will allow you to get to the net early in the point.

In summary, do not try to out push the 'pusher', but get to the net and get ready to end the point with an overhead.  Use these tips next time you play against the no pace ball then stop in my office and let me know how it went.

Next month - "The 3 SPs"