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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Tactics
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
- Doubles formationHow a pair positions itself on court — one up, one back, or both at the net — to control space in doubles.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
Positions
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- 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.
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
Scoring systems
- Basketball scoringBasketball is scored by shooting the ball through the hoop, with baskets worth one, two or three points depending on where the shot is taken.
- Table tennis scoringTable tennis is scored on every rally to 11 points per game, won by two clear points, over a best-of odd number of games.
- Tennis scoringTennis is scored in points, games and sets, using the distinctive 15–30–40 point sequence and a win-by-two margin at every level.
Skills
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- Net playThe skill of controlling points close to the net with volleys and touch shots.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- FootworkThe skill of moving efficiently around the playing area to be in position for each shot or action.
- RallyingThe skill of exchanging shots back and forth to build and win a point.
Rules
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Personal fouls and free throwsThe basketball rules covering illegal contact and the uncontested shots awarded when a player is fouled.