Master the Backhand Counter Like Gabe Tardio
We all want to play like Gabe Tardio—and for good reason. The 19-year-old pickleball prodigy from Bolivia is taking the sport by storm. Ranked No. 5 in Men’s Doubles, No. 7 in Mixed Doubles, and No. 12 in Men’s Singles, Tardio recently clinched his second gold medal at the Veolia North Carolina Open.
What makes Tardio stand out? His laid-back game style may look relaxed, but behind that calm exterior is one of the most lethal shots in pickleball: the backhand counter.
Unlocking the Secrets of Tardio’s Game
Tardio recently sat down with Pickleball Playbook on YouTube to break down the mechanics behind his backhand counter—and trust us, it’s worth taking notes.
Start With the Right Grip
Tardio begins in a continental grip, then adds a subtle twist to his wrist. This allows the paddle to angle the ball downward towards the opponent’s feet during a counter.
“My ready position is always a little lower than what it normally should be, especially when I see them attacking,” said Tardio. “My paddle is lower, so that when I move back up, my paddle face is already facing down.”
Stay Low and Compact
Positioning is key. Tardio emphasizes getting low, with shoulders tilted forward. This stance helps him stay balanced and agile, allowing quick transitions between backhand and forehand shots.
“You don’t want your arm too close to your body,” he explains. “If your opponent hits to your forehand, you’re going to get stuck. Tucking your shoulders helps you avoid the dreaded chicken wing position and lets you cover both sides more effectively.”
Drill It to Skill It
To build this skill, Tardio recommends wall drills. These improve your ability to punch the ball forward instead of taking a full swing.
“Make sure your paddle is in front of you,” he stresses. “You want to be compact, not swinging all the way back to counter.”
Take Control With the Counter
With this technique, you’ll not only defend better—you’ll turn defense into offense. Keeping your paddle in front, staying low, and focusing on sharp anticipation will put you in a prime position to dominate with fast backhand counters.
Keep practicing, and who knows? You might just start playing a little more like Gabe Tardio yourself.
