Tweener
A term with distinct meanings in tennis (a between-the-legs shot) and basketball (a player between two positions).
Definition
In tennis, a tweener is a between-the-legs shot, typically improvised when a player is chasing down a lob with their back to the net and has no time to turn. The ball is struck downward between the legs and, at its best, sent back over the net as a surprising and crowd-pleasing recovery.
In basketball, 'tweener' instead describes a player whose height, strength or skill set falls between two traditional positions — for example, too small to guard power forwards but not a natural small forward. There it is a scouting and roster label rather than a specific move, and can read as either a criticism or a compliment depending on how the player's versatility is used.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- Tennis
- A between-the-legs shot, usually hit on the run while chasing a lob with the back to the net.
- Basketball
- A player whose size and skills fall between two standard positions, described as a tweener by scouts and coaches.
Where you’ll hear “tweener”
Sports that use this term:
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Positions
- Small forwardThe small forward is a versatile wing player in basketball who can score inside and outside while also defending multiple positions.
- Centre (netball)The centre is netball’s link between attack and defence, the only player allowed in every third except the two goal circles, and the player who takes the centre pass.
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- Ice hockey positionsThe six players on the ice and what each does — centre, two wings, two defence and the goaltender — plus why hockey substitutes in lines rather than individually.
Tactics
- Point constructionHow tennis points are built rather than won — the neutral, attacking and defensive positions, what each one permits, and why most errors come from playing the wrong shot for the position.
- Doubles formationHow a pair positions itself on court — one up, one back, or both at the net — to control space in doubles.
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
- Serve +1 and return +1The two-shot patterns that decide short points — how a serve's direction determines where the reply comes from, and how a returner uses the same idea against the server.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
Techniques
- The pull and the hookThe two cross-batted strokes that punish short bowling — how the pull and the hook differ, the height of the ball that separates them, and the risk each one carries.
- Cycling CadenceThe technique of pedalling at a smooth, steady rhythm and choosing a gear that keeps the legs turning efficiently.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- One-handed and two-handed backhands comparedWhat actually differs between the two backhands — reach, stability, disguise and the height at which each struggles — rather than which one is better.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
Exercises
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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