How to Hit the 'Tweener' Shot in Pickleball: A Complete Technique Guide

The tweener is genuinely one of the hardest shots in pickleball, but it's also one of the most deceptive – and rewarding

The tweener shot in pickleball is one of those moves that makes you look like a pro even when you're still figuring out the basics. It's flashy, it's unexpected, and when it works, your opponents won't know what hit them.

But here's the thing: it's also one of the hardest shots in the entire sport. If you've been curious about how to actually pull off this between-the-legs wonder, a recent tutorial from All Things Pickleball breaks down exactly what you need to know.

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What Exactly Is a Tweener?

A tweener is when you hit a shot between your legs, usually while running backward to chase down a lob. It's the kind of shot that gets the crowd going and makes your doubles partner shake their head in disbelief.

The real appeal? It's a total show-stopper. When you land one, you instantly look like you belong on a pro court, even if you're just playing at your local park.

Why You'd Actually Use This Shot

You might think the tweener is just for style points, but it actually serves a real purpose. Most of the time, you'll use it to chase down lobs that your opponent hits over your head.

Here's why it's so effective: your opponents never see it coming. It's such a distraction that it throws off their game and keeps them guessing about what you might do next.

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He may no longer be the “Tweener King,” but a YouTube video from a couple years ago shows us exactly why he earned that moniker to begin with.

The Dink PickleballThe Dink Media Team

The Three Keys to Nailing the Tweener

According to the tutorial, there are three essential elements you need to master to hit a solid tweener.

• Positioning: This is the most important part. As soon as you see a lob coming, turn around and face the opposite direction. Race to get ahead of the ball so you can contact it between or behind your legs, about six to eight inches off the ground, right before it bounces a second time.
• Grip: You'll almost always use a continental grip for the tweener. Other grips like forehand or eastern won't give you the rotation and pronation you need to hit the ball cleanly below your legs.
• Swing: Start with the paddle edge facing away from you. As you come down, pronate your forearm and open the paddle face to make contact square on the ball, giving it a nice trajectory over the net.

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The Dink PickleballThe Dink Media Team

Timing Is Everything

The hardest part of the tweener isn't the swing or the grip. It's the timing.

You need to contact the ball right before it bounces a second time. That means the moment you see the first bounce, you're in a race against the clock to outrun the ball and get into position.

Miss the timing window by even a fraction of a second, and the shot falls apart. Get it right, and you've got a winner.

How to Practice This Shot

The tweener isn't something you'll master overnight. Start by practicing with a partner who can hit lobs while you work on your footwork and timing.

Focus on getting your positioning right first. Once you're comfortable getting ahead of the ball, the grip and swing will follow more naturally.

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The Bottom Line

The tweener is genuinely one of the hardest shots in pickleball, but it's also one of the most rewarding – and deceptive. It takes patience, practice, and a willingness to look a little silly while you're learning.

But when you finally land one in a real match? That's a moment you'll remember. And your opponents will too.