Gabe Tardio Shares His Backhand Counter Secrets: How To Elevate Your Game

Source: Pickleball.com

At just 19 years old, Gabe Tardio has already established himself as one of the most formidable forces in professional pickleball. With a current ranking of No. 5 in men’s doubles, No. 7 in mixed doubles, and No. 12 in men’s singles, Tardio continues to dominate on the court — most recently clinching his second-ever gold medal in singles at the Veolia North Carolina Open.

A native of Bolivia, Tardio’s playing style is both captivating and deceptive. While his demeanor is calm and collected, his technique is anything but. One of the most feared shots in his arsenal? The backhand counter.

Tardio recently took to YouTube, sharing his backhand counter techniques with the Pickleball Playbook — a session packed with tactical insights and practical drills. Here’s a breakdown of Tardio’s approach to one of the game’s most devastating weapons.

The Right Grip: Setting Up The Perfect Counter

Before diving into mechanics, Tardio emphasizes the importance of grip.

“I start in continental, but I adjust my wrist slightly,” he explains. “This subtle twist angles the ball down toward the opponent’s feet, making it difficult to return.”

This minor grip adjustment ensures that his counter shots stay low, fast, and challenging to handle. It’s a lesson in how even small changes can yield significant impact on court performance.

Positioning: Staying Ready For The Counter

According to Tardio, effective counters begin long before the ball is hit. Preparation and positioning are key.

“When I’m getting ready to counter, I lower my stance more than usual — especially when I anticipate an aggressive shot from my opponent,” Tardio notes.

His paddle position is also deliberate. “My paddle is low, and as I move up to meet the shot, the paddle face is already angled downward.”

Why this stance? It sets him up for a quick, controlled counter without sacrificing balance or reach.

Punch, Don’t Swing: The Secret To Power And Precision

One of Tardio’s main points is the importance of compactness. Instead of taking a full swing, he focuses on a sharp, controlled punch.

“Make sure your paddle is in front of you. You’re not swinging back to counter,” he stresses. “You want to stay compact and punch forward.”

This technique reduces the risk of overhitting and ensures that his counters are both powerful and controlled.

Avoid The ‘Chicken Wing’ Position

Tardio also addresses a common mistake among players: the dreaded “chicken wing” position, where the arm gets too close to the body, limiting mobility.

“To avoid this, I tilt my shoulders forward slightly. This helps me cover both forehand and backhand effectively,” he says. “You don’t want your arm too close to your body — it restricts your range and makes you more vulnerable to fast-paced shots.”

Drills To Sharpen Your Countering Skills

To master the backhand counter, Tardio recommends incorporating wall drills into your practice routine.

“Wall drills are great for building speed and anticipation,” he explains. “The key is to keep your paddle in front and punch the ball forward, staying compact and controlled.”

Practicing these drills consistently can significantly improve reaction time, paddle positioning, and overall countering ability.

Conclusion: The Takeaway From Tardio’s Technique

Gabe Tardio’s backhand counter is a masterclass in precision, power, and patience. By focusing on grip adjustments, compact punches, and strategic positioning, he transforms what many players perceive as a defensive shot into a formidable offensive weapon.

For those looking to elevate their game, taking a page from Tardio’s playbook is a smart move. Incorporate these tips, practice consistently, and watch as your countering ability evolves from a simple return shot to a game-changing point-winner.