You’re scrambling backwards on the tennis court, chasing down a lob that’s sailing over your head. Your opponent thinks they’ve won the point already.
But then, in one fluid motion, you swing your racket between your legs and send the ball rocketing back across the net. Your mate’s jaw drops. The tweener, tennis’ most spectacular shot, is yours.
The tweener is pure tennis theatre. When you see pros like Roger Federer or Nick Kyrgios nail a perfect between-the-legs shot while pelting backwards, it looks like absolute sorcery.
But knowing how to hit a tweener isn’t actually reserved for the tennis elite. With a dash of courage, proper technique, and a sprinkle of cheekiness, you can add this showstopper to your own game.
Nothing beats the feeling when you pull off your first tweener and see your opponent’s stunned face across the net.
So grab your racket, and let’s learn how to hit a tweener and in the process, turn you into the most entertaining player on the court!
When to use a tweener
The lob situation
Your opponent, noticing you’ve crept closer to the net, decides to hit a high, looping a lob shot over your head. Suddenly, you’re forced to pivot and sprint back towards your baseline, desperately trying to retrieve the ball.
This is a classic ‘lob situation’, and a prime opportunity for a tweener. Trying to turn and hit a traditional backhand would likely result in you being too late, allowing the ball to bounce twice or fly past you.
Use the tweener to transform what looks like a defensive moment, into an offensive counter attack!
The ‘too far away’ problem
Sometimes, you find yourself stretched out, far from the ball, and turning around would simply take too much time. In these moments, attempting a standard backhand or forehand becomes a risky gamble, often leading to a missed shot.
A tweener allows you to reach the ball and make contact, even when you’re fully extended, offering a chance to salvage the point and keep the rally alive. It’s a clever way to turn a disadvantageous position into a display of skill, showing your opponent that no ball is truly out of reach.
Keeping the rally alive
Often, you might find yourself in a tricky position, perhaps pushed wide or deep, and you need a way to recover without conceding the point. In these instances, a tweener can be a valuable defensive manoeuvre.
It’s not always about hitting a winner; sometimes, it’s about buying yourself time and regaining control of the point. It’s a way to stay in the game, even when you’re on the defensive, and demonstrate your resilience on the court.
How to hit a tweener step by step
Step 1: Sprint towards the ball
As soon as you see the lob, turn and run back. Don’t waste any time. Run as fast as you can, but stay in control and don’t lean too far forward, or you might fall.
Step 2: Let the ball drop
Don’t rush your shot. Let the ball bounce and position yourself so the ball will drop between your legs. You want to hit the ball when it’s just behind you.
Step 3: Keep your eyes on the ball
Watch the ball all the way. If you lose sight of it, you’ll probably miss the shot. Focus, focus, focus!
Step 4: Grip and swing motion
Use a continental grip, swing your racket from low to high. It’s a bit like a slice backhand, but between your legs. Aim to hit the middle of the racket face.
Step 5: Follow through and recover
Don’t stop your swing too early. Let it flow. Be ready to move again, in case your opponent gets the ball back and recover your position quickly.
Different variations of the tweener
The tweener, while seemingly a single shot, can be adapted to various situations on the court, resulting in different variations. Understanding these variations can significantly enhance your tactical arsenal.
The defensive tweener
Characterised by its gentle, controlled nature, the defensive tweener is not about hitting a winner. It’s more about extending the rally and buying yourself time to recover.
This variation is typically employed when you’re significantly deep behind the baseline, often after a well-placed lob or a powerful drive from your opponent. The goal is to simply get the ball back into play, forcing your opponent to hit another shot.
The attacking tweener
The emphasis of this shot is on power and precision, aiming to hit a deep, fast shot that puts your opponent under immediate pressure. This variation is often used when you have a better read on the ball’s trajectory and feel confident in your ability to generate pace.
The objective is to hit a winner or force a weak reply, allowing you to seize control of the point. This tweener requires excellent timing and a strong, controlled swing.
The angled tweener
Instead of hitting the ball straight down the line, you redirect it across the court, often at a sharp angle. You can catch your opponent off guard, particularly if they’re expecting a more conventional return.
The angled tweener requires precise racket control and an understanding of court geometry. It’s a high-risk, high-reward shot that, when executed correctly, can be a spectacular point-winner.
Pro tips for perfecting how to hit a tweener
Mastering the tweener requires more than just understanding the technique; it demands dedicated practice and a keen eye for detail. Here are some pro tips to help you perfect this spectacular shot.
Footwork Drills
Effective footwork is the cornerstone of a successful tweener. Practise running backwards smoothly and efficiently, ensuring you can quickly get into the optimal hitting position.
Using cones or markers can help you simulate match-like scenarios, allowing you to refine your agility and speed. Focus on quick, light steps, and practise changing direction rapidly. This will enable you to reach the ball in time and set up for a clean strike.
Video Analysis
Record yourself practising tweeners from various angles. Watching the footage in slow motion allows you to analyse your technique meticulously, identifying any flaws in your swing, footwork, or positioning.
Compare your movements to those of professional players; observe their racket preparation, swing path, and follow-through. This visual feedback is invaluable for making necessary adjustments and refining your overall execution.
Practice with Soft Lobs
Begin your tweener practice with soft, manageable lobs. This allows you to focus on the fundamental mechanics without the added pressure of speed and power.
Gradually increase the pace and difficulty of the lobs, challenging yourself to hit tweeners from different positions on the court. Experiment with varying ball heights and trajectories to enhance your adaptability.
Stay Relaxed
Tension is the enemy of a smooth, effective tweener. Focus on maintaining a loose grip and relaxed shoulders throughout your swing. This allows for a more fluid and natural motion, resulting in cleaner contact and improved accuracy.
Balance
Maintaining balance is crucial when hitting a tweener. Engage your core muscles to stabilise your body and bend your knees to lower your centre of gravity. Doing so will help you stay steady during the backward sprint and swing, ensuring you can make clean contact with the ball.
Practise smart
Hitting a tweener involves running backwards, which carries an inherent risk of falls. Practise in a safe, open space, free from obstacles. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Repetition is key
- Drop feed drill: Stand near the baseline and have someone drop feed balls behind you. Practise running back and hitting tweeners, focusing on your swing and contact point.
- Between-the-legs throw drill: Have a partner stand a few feet away and gently throw balls between your legs. Focus on tracking the ball and hitting it cleanly with a controlled swing.
By diligently following these pro tips, you can transform your tweener from a flashy gimmick into a reliable weapon in your tennis arsenal.
That’s how to hit a tweener!
The tweener is a flashy shot, but it’s also useful. With practice, you can learn how to hit a tweener and add it to your game.
It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. If you want to improve your tennis, consider getting some coaching. Good luck and happy playing on court!
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