A tweener is a shot hit between your legs, most often while running back toward your own baseline to chase a lob that has gone over your head. You sprint with your back to the net, let the ball bounce and drop to around knee height, spread your stride to leave room between your legs, then snap the racquet down and back through your legs with a relaxed wrist, sending the ball back over the net. It is a spectacular shot and a legitimate one under the rules, but it is usually a last resort for when there is no time to turn around. In most situations, turning and hitting a normal groundstroke is safer. This guide explains when a tweener makes sense, how to hit it step by step, the front-facing variation, drills to learn it safely, tactical tips and common mistakes.
Rulebook note: The ITF Rules of Tennis do not prohibit hitting the ball between the legs. The usual rules still apply: the ball must be hit before it bounces twice and must land in the opponent’s court, and a player must not touch the net or opponent’s court while the ball is in play. Tours and events may have their own regulations, so check the current rules for your competition.
Health note: The tweener involves sprinting backward or away from the net and swinging close to your own body, which can lead to falls or hitting yourself with the racquet. Learn it slowly, practice on a dry court with good shoes and stop if you feel off balance or sore.
When to try a tweener
| Situation | Tweener? |
|---|---|
| Lob over your head, no time to turn | Yes, if the ball is in front of you as you run |
| Time to turn around | No, a normal groundstroke is safer |
| Ball bouncing high | Wait for it to drop to knee height |
| Ball wide of your path | Usually not; a side-on shot or lob is better |
| Practice or fun rallies | Great for learning and enjoyment |
Why players use the tweener
When a lob goes over your head and you chase it back toward the baseline, the ball is traveling away from you. Turning around to hit a normal groundstroke takes time you may not have. The tweener allows you to keep running in a straight line and still make contact, since the ball can be struck between your legs as you run past it. It is usually a defensive shot to keep the point alive, although some players can hit tweeners with surprising accuracy.
How to hit a tweener
Start by tracking the lob early and sprinting toward the spot where it will land, with your back to the net. Try to run along the line of the ball so it will be directly in front of you. Let the ball bounce and begin to drop. As you approach, time your stride so the ball is between your legs at around knee height. Spread your legs a bit wider on the final stride to create space. Keep your wrist relaxed and snap the racquet down and back between your legs, making contact with the face angled upward. The motion is short and quick, driven mainly by the wrist and forearm.
Step-by-step: the basic tweener
- Read the lob early and turn to run.
- Sprint along the line of the ball, back to the net.
- Let the ball bounce and start to fall.
- Time your stride so the ball is between your legs at knee height.
- Widen your final stride to create space.
- Snap the racquet down and back between your legs.
- Aim high to give the ball time to clear the net.
- Turn quickly and recover for the next shot.
Aiming and height
Because you are facing away from the net, aiming precisely is difficult. Most players aim for height and depth, trying to send the ball high over the net toward the middle of the opponent’s court. This gives you time to turn and recover. If your opponent is at the net, a high tweener can act like a lob, forcing them to hit an overhead. Trying to hit hard, low tweeners greatly increases the risk of errors.
The front-facing tweener
A less common version is the front-facing tweener, hit between the legs while facing the net. It is sometimes used on low balls close to the body, or simply as a trick shot. It is generally riskier and less practical than a normal groundstroke, so it is mostly used for fun or in exhibitions. Learning the standard running tweener is more useful for match play.
Drills to learn the tweener safely
Stationary drop drill: Stand with your feet apart, drop a ball in front of you so it bounces, then practice the between-the-legs swing as it falls. Start slowly and focus on control.
Walking tweener: Have a partner gently toss balls over your head. Walk, then jog, after them and practice the timing.
Running tweener: Once comfortable, have a partner hit moderate lobs over you from the net, and practice at full speed.
Target practice: Aim tweeners toward a large target area, such as the middle of the opponent’s court, to build control.
Timing and footwork
Timing is the hardest part of the tweener. If you arrive too early, the ball will still be too high. If you arrive too late, it may have bounced twice or dropped too low. Adjust your running speed by shortening or lengthening your strides as you approach. Keep your eyes on the ball throughout, and try to have the ball slightly in front of you so you can swing through it cleanly.
Tactics and decision-making
Use the tweener only when necessary. If you can reach the ball with time to turn sideways, a regular forehand, backhand or defensive lob is usually more reliable. The best way to avoid needing tweeners is to reduce the number of lobs that go over your head, for example by positioning a bit further from the net or improving your overhead. When you do hit a tweener, prioritize getting the ball back safely and recovering your court position.
Why the tweener is popular
The tweener has become one of the most celebrated shots in tennis because it combines athleticism, creativity and flair. Highlight reels often feature spectacular tweeners in professional matches. For recreational players, learning the shot can be a fun challenge that also improves coordination and footwork.
Common mistakes
- Arriving too early, with the ball still high.
- Keeping legs too close, leaving no space to swing.
- Swinging with a stiff wrist instead of a quick snap.
- Trying to hit hard and low.
- Using the tweener when there is time to turn.
- Taking your eyes off the ball.
- Practicing at full speed before learning the timing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tweener legal in tennis?
Yes. Hitting the ball between your legs is allowed as long as the normal rules are followed.
When should I hit a tweener?
When chasing a lob that has gone over your head and there is no time to turn and hit a normal shot.
Is the tweener hard to learn?
It takes practice to master the timing, but starting slowly with stationary and walking drills makes it easier and safer.
