Gabe Tardio’s Backhand Counter Technique: Gabe Tardio, a top pickleball player from Bolivia, revealed his secret technique behind one of the strongest shots in the game—the backhand counter. He explained his method during a recent YouTube video with Pickleball Playbook. The 19-year-old shared how players can use proper body position and paddle control to master the shot.
Gabe Tardio is currently ranked No. 5 in men’s doubles, No. 7 in mixed doubles, and No. 12 in men’s singles. He won his second gold medal in singles at the 2025 Veolia North Carolina Open. Known for his calm playing style, Tardio uses smart technique rather than just power.
The Grip and Paddle Position
Tardio said it all starts with the grip. He begins with a continental grip and slightly twists his wrist so the paddle face is tilted downward. This makes the ball shoot low toward the opponent’s feet.
“When I’m getting ready to hit a counter, my ready position is always a little lower than what it normally should be, especially when I see them attacking. My paddle is lower, so that when I move back up, my paddle face is already facing down.” – (Tardio)
View this post on Instagram
Using the Right Body Position
To stay ready, Tardio focuses on how his body is placed. He keeps his shoulders leaning forward and gets into a low stance to quickly switch between backhand and forehand.
“Another thing I do when I’m getting ready to hit a counter is that I’m getting low. The most important thing is that I have my shoulders tilted forward. This enables me to cover not only backhand, but forehand quickly. This helps you not to get caught in the chicken wing position. You don’t want your arm too close to your body. If your opponent hits to your forehand, you’re going to get stuck, so tucking your shoulders enables you to cover both sides.” – (Tardio)
Practice with Wall Drills
To improve, Gabe Tardio recommends wall drills. These help players punch the ball forward instead of swinging with the whole body. This keeps the motion short and quick.
“Make sure your paddle is in front of you and that you’re not swinging all the way back to counter. You want to be compact and right in front of you.” – (Tardio)
Why It Matters
Gabe Tardio’s tips offer young and experienced players a chance to improve their game. By using his method, players can respond faster during intense moments and turn defense into offense. As pickleball grows in popularity, learning from top-ranked athletes like Tardio can help many reach new skill levels.
News in Brief: Gabe Tardio’s Backhand Counter Technique
Gabe Tardio, a top-ranked pickleball player, shared his backhand counter tips on YouTube. He explained his grip, body position, and wall drill training. These techniques help players respond quickly and with control. Tardio’s advice can improve skills and give players an edge in fast-paced games.
ALSO READ: Roscoe Bellamy’s Pickleball Strategy Tips: How to Beat Tennis Players With Smart Shots