The Art of The Counter

Too often, players in defensive positions rely on a “block and reset” approach, hoping to neutralize their opponent’s aggression. While this strategy can work for elite blockers, even the best will eventually succumb to relentless pressure. That’s why developing a strong counter-attack isn’t optional—it’s essential for thriving in the fast-paced, offensive nature of today’s game.

My Journey with Counterattacking

As I’ve progressed in pickleball, I’ve come to understand just how vital hand speed is—not just for defense but for generating offense. Early on, I had decent hands, but I struggled to create any meaningful offense when opponents attacked. I also hesitated to initiate attacks, fearing I couldn’t handle the return fire. This left me grinding out points in extended dink rallies—a strategy that’s incredibly challenging in a game that’s becoming faster and more aggressive.

Over time, I’ve worked hard to improve my hand speed, and I feel it’s significantly better now. But I’ve also learned that this skill requires constant attention to stay sharp. My drill partner and I make it a priority to work on hand speed every day, knowing there’s always room to improve. This relentless focus has reinforced my belief in the importance of counterattacking, both as a player and as a coach.

How to Counterattack

A successful counterattack isn’t just about surviving an opponent’s aggression—it’s about flipping the script and forcing them into defense. Here’s how you can make that happen:

1. Expect the Worst Case Scenario

When you’re dinking, never assume your opponent will simply return a soft shot. Always anticipate that they’ll speed up the ball. This mindset keeps you prepared for the unexpected and ensures you’re never caught off guard. Keep your paddle in front, stay balanced, and lean slightly forward. If they slow it down instead? Great—you’re already in position to dictate the rally.

2. Mirror the Ball

Where the ball is on your opponent’s side determines how you position yourself. If the ball is on their left (your right), slightly favor your forehand. If it’s on their right (your left), lean toward your backhand. This doesn’t mean overcommitting—it’s a subtle mental adjustment to be better prepared for the likely attack angle.

3. Stay Low

Standing upright is one of the quickest ways to lose an edge in fast-paced exchanges. When you’re tall, your reactions slow, your paddle is farther from the ball, and you lose the ability to counter with power. Instead, stay low by bending your knees, keeping your weight on the balls of your feet, and be ready to move explosively.

4. Don’t Over-Favor Your Backhand

You’ve probably heard the advice to favor your backhand towards your opponent when being attacked, but this can backfire. Smart opponents will notice and target the space you leave open on your forehand side. Instead of overplaying your backhand, stay balanced by mentally shadowing as described in Tip #2. Let your opponent think your backhand is a weakness—then surprise them with a decisive counterattack.

5. The Forehand Does Not Own the Middle

One of the most common tactical errors is assuming the middle ball belongs to the player with the forehand in the middle. In reality, if you’re on the right side and the ball is cross-court, the middle is your responsibility, and your backhand is the tool to defend it. Trust your partner to cover their line while you secure the center. This clarity eliminates miscommunications and stops your opponents from exploiting the gap.

6. Don’t Overswing

A common mistake in counterattacking is taking too long of a backswing. By the time your paddle makes contact with the ball, it’s often dropped too low, resulting in a shot into the net. Keep your paddle movement compact—your arm should never go behind your shoulder. A short, controlled swing ensures quicker reactions and more accurate counters.

7. Lean Into Contact

When your opponent is firing aggressive shots, it’s completely natural to lean back—after all, no one wants to get hit by a speeding ball. This instinct to protect yourself is understandable, but it works against you in pickleball. Leaning back causes your shot to pop up, handing your opponent an easy put-away. Instead, overcome that initial fear and lean forward into the shot. By doing so, you not only absorb the ball’s speed but also direct your counter downward toward your opponent’s feet, forcing them into a challenging position and turning the rally in your favor as they now have to hit the ball up to get it back over the net.

8. Let Out Balls Go

This skill doesn’t specifically have much to do with hitting a counter, however, a critical yet often overlooked skill in pickleball is recognizing when a ball is going out. Players often waste opportunities by hitting shots that would have sailed out of bounds. A simple rule to remember is: “Shoulder high, let it fly.” With experience, you’ll develop a sharper sense of which balls to leave untouched, allowing you to win points effortlessly.

That said, there’s a learning curve. Yes, you may get burned a few times, especially against opponents who can generate significant topspin, allowing them to keep high balls in play. These situations can be surprising, but this skill is player-specific, and you’ll catch onto their tendencies early in the game. Over time, recognizing these nuances will help you make smarter decisions, turning this instinct into a valuable asset.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the counterattack goes beyond technical skills—it’s a mindset shift. By expecting the unexpected, positioning yourself intelligently, staying low, and using balanced coverage, you can turn defense into offense and win the rally.

Remember, pickleball is as much about strategy as it is about skill. Keep working on these principles, and you’ll find yourself not just resetting rallies, but winning them.