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Unlock the counterattack
Paul from Pickleball Daily
January 26, 2026
Tip of the day
Professional player Jack Munro provides a comprehensive guide to the three main types of counters in pickleball, detailing the mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses of each to help you dominate at the net.
The most common counter at the amateur level is the one-handed backhand, which allows for a quick reload and early contact.
To be most effective with a one-handed counter, you should funnel the ball into a "strike zone" directly in front of your body.
Breaking your wrist backward before snapping through the ball adds significant power and topspin, helping you drive the ball downward to an opponent's feet.
A frequent amateur mistake is jumping during a counter; instead, you should slide on the balls of your feet to maintain balance and stay in position for the next shot.
Two-handed backhand counters, often seen on the pro tours, offer more stability and torque when the ball is pulled to the side of your body.
Using two hands allows you to wait a split second longer, giving you more time to react while using your core and legs to generate "coil" for the shot.
The "scorpion" or "pancake grip" counter uses a forehand face for almost every ball, eliminating the "lag" that occurs when switching from backhand to forehand.
While the scorpion is excellent for balls aimed at your shoulders, it requires you to squat low to the ground to keep your head at ball level.
Success in any counter-attack relies on keeping the ball low, as even a slower ball at an opponent's knees is harder to attack than a high-speed shoulder shot.
Key Points:
Master the one-handed backhand counter by snapping your wrist and aiming for the opponent's feet to force defensive returns.
Slide laterally on your tiptoes rather than jumping to stay grounded and prepared for a multi-shot hands battle.
Consider adding a second hand to your backhand counter for improved power and reach on balls hit wide of your body.
Utilize the "coil and uncoil" technique with two-handed counters to engage your legs and core for maximum stability.
Use the scorpion counter to handle aggressive shoulder-high attacks without needing to switch your grip or paddle face.
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Happy pickling,
Paul