Pusher (in tennis)

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A strategy used in tennis where the player "pushes" back any ball he/she can chase down without deliberately hitting a winner. This style of play often tires and frustrates more skilled opponents. You can think of a pusher as a sort of human backboard or wall that never gives up. Pushers (as those who use this style of play are referred to) have great success at the 3.0 and 3.5 NTRP rating levels. However, they are usually easily beaten by players with an NTRP rating of 4.0 and up because higher level players can hit more aggressively and often possess serve and volley skills which rob the pusher of the time he/she requires to chase down a shot. It is important to note that their "style of play and mental approach to the game are deliberately contentious".

The Pusher's strategy can sometimes be effective even at the upper levels of the pro game. Brad Gilbert is often referred to as the greatest Pusher of all time, reaching the top 10 in 1990.^[1]
See http://www.atptennis.com/3/en/players/playerprofiles/?playernumber=G016

[edit] Strategies To Defeat A Pusher

1. Never let the pusher see you frustrated. Stay confident and calm.
2. Loudly state the score after every point. Pushers are often masters of manipulation and will play with the score and line calls if needed.
See http://www.tennisserver.com/turbo/turbo_05_10.html (a thorough article on strategy by Ron Waite)
3. There's nothing a Pusher hates more than a good serve and volleyer. If you have these skills use them early and often in a match.
4. Moonballs to their backhand side. This will often force the Pusher to hit a lob. Be prepared to hit an overhead. It doesn't have to be fast, just well placed.
5. Be patient and wait for a short ball to attack. This may take several strokes but often hitting cross-court will generate an easy volley to put away or you'll win the point outright.
6. When losing, pushers often complain loudly to themselves. Don't let it rattle you. Think of it as entertainment.
7. Don't prejudge a Pusher. Pushers often look out of shape and during warm up their game (sometimes purposely) looks awful. Ignore it and just be ready to play YOUR game, not theirs.
8. Don't be discouraged if you're losing to a Pusher. If you stay calm and stick to the game plan you (the better player) will almost always win.