Answer
In the successful 1943 counteroffensive led by Erich von Manstein at Kharkov, a tactic known as the "backhand blow" was employed. This involved a surprise attack by German forces on the flanks of advancing Soviet troops, encircling and defeating several Soviet armies in what became known as the Third Battle of Kharkov. The operation inflicted heavy losses on the Soviets, temporarily halting their offensive in the region.