Contrapared technique: when to use the back boast
Key takeaway from our Guru
When should I use the contrapared in padel?
Use the contrapared only as a last resort when you cannot get your body between the ball and the back glass. If you can reach the ball and position yourself to face the opponent's court, always choose a standard shot or a lob instead.
What this lesson covers
The contrapared serves as a last resort when a player cannot position themselves between the ball and the back glass. Relying on this shot frequently hands opponents an easy smash because the spin imparted on the ball assists the opponent's topspin. Furthermore, the shot limits tactical options compared to a standard return, which allows for lobs, chiquitas, or fast shots to the body.
To execute the shot, swing from low to high and aim for the upper part of the glass to maximize depth. Calibration is necessary based on ball condition and court surface, as a short ball invites an immediate smash. Avoid the contrapared entirely when the glass is wet or humid, as the ball will slip and lose its trajectory. While the backhand version is possible, it is harder to generate the power needed to keep the ball deep. At the professional level, players sometimes fake the lob to play a short, chiquita-style shot instead to avoid the opponent's smash.
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Original video
Added on Sep 19, 2026
This Shot Is Silently Destroying Your Padel Level
Description
Most padel players are using the contrapared (backboast) way too often, and every time they do, they're handing their opponents an easy smash. In this video I break down everything you need to know about the back boast: why it feels so good to hit but is quietly costing you points, the golden rule that tells you exactly when to use it and when to play something else, and how to actually execute it correctly when the moment is right — technique, calibration, backhand version, wet glass, and a pro tip for higher level players that most coaches never mention. If you've been hitting the back wall thinking you're doing something smart, watch this first. ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 — Intro 0:51 — Why most times you shouldn't play the contrapared 1:59 — Why the contrapared helps the other team smash 2:35 — When is the right time to use it — the golden rule 3:25 — How to actually play this shot 4:25 — Why you need to calibrate it 5:36 — Can you hit it with the backhand? 6:39 — Never hit it on a wet or humid glass 7:06 — How to use it to rescue impossible balls from the corner 8:13 — Pro tip — only for higher level players 🔑 KEY CONCEPTS Contrapared padel · Back boast padel · Padel back wall shot · When to use contrapared · Padel technique · Padel tips intermediate · Padel mistakes 🛒 PADEL DRIVE STORE https://padeldrivers.com/ 📍 Filmed at Rocket Padel Bristol — thanks to the team for letting us use their courts.
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Left, Backcourt, Corner
Play style
Tactical
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