Counterattack
Turning a defensive position into an attack, usually by using the pace of the opponents' ball off the glass to hit low and fast, or a lob that wins the net back.
When to play it
When the opponents' attacking ball comes off the glass at a good height. When their smash or bandeja lacks depth. When both opponents are close to the net and a gap opens.
How to play it
Let the glass give you the ball, then hit it low to the feet or through a gap. Or lob over them and move up to take the net. Only counterattack on a ball you can control.
Common mistakes
Trying to counterattack every ball, which gives away easy errors. Hitting hard from below net height, which lifts the ball into a volley.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the contraataque legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14: playing the ball off your own glass and back into their court is a correct return.