Up Your Game

Throwback Video: Watch Christian Alshon Hit 10 Different Tweener Variations

by The Dink Media Team on

Until recently, Christian Alshon was known as the Tweener King.

"It pains me to do this, but as I no longer hit gratuitous tweeners, it is time to change the username back to my birth name," he posted to Instagram back in October of 2025.

Ok, he's matured. Good for him. But a YouTube video from a couple years ago shows us exactly where this moniker originated from – in it, Alshon breaks down 10 different tweener variations you can use to keep your opponents guessing and add serious deception to your game.

And yes, a few definitely cross over into "gratuitous" territory.

Are these objectively fun to watch? Yes. Should you attempt any of them at your next open play? You be the judge.

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What Makes a Tweener Actually Work?

Before Alshon jumps into the variations, he establishes the ground rules for what makes a legitimate tweener. The shot has two non-negotiable requirements.

  • You must hit the ball between your legs, not in front of you (hitting it in front sends the ball straight down)
  • Both feet must stay on the ground while you're hitting it

These fundamentals matter because they're what separate a tweener from just flailing at the ball. Once you've got those locked in, the real fun begins.

The Dink Media Team

The Dink Media Team

The team behind The Dink, pickleball's original multi-channel media company, now publishing daily for over 1 million avid pickleballers.

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