Pronunciation: [tˈɪp ˈɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "tip in" indicates the pronunciation of the first syllable as /tɪp/. This is because the letter "i" in the first syllable is followed by the letter "p", making it a closed syllable with a short vowel sound. The second syllable, "in," has a clear /ɪ/ sound with an "n" at the end. "Tip in" means to add something small or a bit extra to something else, such as adding a small amount of sugar to coffee.
"Tip in" is a phrasal verb that mainly pertains to sports, particularly basketball and hockey. It refers to a specific technique performed by players to score a goal or make a successful shot by deftly redirecting or tapping the ball or puck with a quick movement, usually with one hand, into the goal or into the basket.
In basketball, a "tip in" occurs when a player, positioned near the basket, uses his hand or fingertips to guide the ball into the hoop, often immediately following a missed shot or a teammate's attempt. This technique requires precise timing, coordination, and the ability to react quickly in order to exploit offensive rebounds or capitalize on scoring opportunities near the rim.
Similarly, in hockey, a "tip in" refers to the act of using the stick to "tip" or redirect the puck from a teammate's shot towards the net, aiming to increase the likelihood of scoring a goal. Compared to a full-fledged shot, a tip in reduces the time and movement required, making it more difficult for goaltenders to anticipate or react to the redirection.
Overall, "tip in" emphasizes the skillful maneuver of delicately guiding a ball or puck with a slight touch, typically yielding successful scoring results in both basketball and hockey.
The phrase "tip in" has its origins in basketball. It refers to a shot made close to the basket where the player uses the tips of their fingers to guide the ball into the hoop. The term can be traced back to the early 20th century when basketball was gaining popularity. "Tip" comes from the verb "to tip", meaning to touch or push lightly, while "in" simply denotes the act of putting the ball into the basket. Over time, this phrase has also been adopted in other sports to describe similar actions, such as redirecting a soccer ball into the goal with a light touch or tapping a puck into the net in hockey.
