The contrapared is the desperation shot: the ball has passed you, you can no longer wait for it, so you hit it against your own glass so it bounces back, clears the net and lands on the other side. It is completely legal and, played well, saves impossible points.
Is it legal?
Yes. Once the ball has bounced on your side, you can hit it against your own walls to return it. What you cannot do is have your shot hit the opponents’ walls before bouncing on their floor.
When to use it
- The ball has passed you and will hit the glass too close to you to play it off the glass.
- The ball has come off the glass towards the net and you can no longer reach it facing forward.
- You are facing the back wall with no other option.
Technique
- Stand with your back to the net, facing the glass.
- Hit the ball up and into the glass, with an open racket face.
- Go for height: the ball must come off the glass and clear the net like a lob.
- Turn quickly to see how the point goes on.
Tips
- Hit low to high: hit it flat and the ball comes off low and dies in the net.
- Do not stand on the glass: you need room for the swing.
- Practise it: it is easier than it looks, and it saves lots of points in close matches.