1. literally, in sports, to be within the distance from which scoring a goal, run, or other type of point is much more likely. Thanks to that play, the Jayhawks now have two runners within scoring distance. It's fourth down and ten, but we're within scoring distance if we opt for a field goal—what should we do, Coach?

2. By extension, in a position that makes one's success attainable or very likely. Following the sudden and immense success of the first film, the studio is within scoring position to set up a huge blockbuster franchise. It is the tireless work of our research team that puts our projects within scoring position.