Stacking in Doubles Pickleball: The Strategy That Wins Games

What Is Stacking?

Stacking is an advanced doubles strategy where both partners line up on the same side of the court during the serve or return—then quickly shift to their preferred positions after the ball is in play.

Watch any pro match, and you'll see stacking constantly. It's not just showing off—it's a legitimate tactical advantage.

Why Stack?

1. Keep Forehands in the Middle

Most players have a stronger forehand. Stacking lets you position so both players' forehands cover the crucial middle of the court.

2. Hide Weaknesses

If one player has a weaker backhand, stacking keeps that side protected.

3. Create Angles

Certain players hit better cross-court or down-the-line shots from specific positions. Stacking puts them where they're most dangerous.

4. Confuse Opponents

Teams that don't stack are predictable. Stacking forces opponents to adjust constantly.

When to Stack (Serving Team)

On your serve, you control who serves from which side. Here's the setup:

Scenario: Right-Handed Team, Right Partner is Serving

• Server on right side, partner on left
• Both backhands end up in the middle—weak!

1. 1Server serves from the right side (as required by score)
2. 2Partner stands behind the server or outside the court
3. 3After the serve, partner quickly slides to the right side
4. 4Server moves to the left side
5. 5Now both forehands are in the middle!

When to Stack (Returning Team)

You can also stack on the return:

1. 1Both players start on one side
2. 2Receiver returns the ball
3. 3Both players shift to their preferred sides as they move to the kitchen

This works best when your team has clearly defined "I like the left side" preferences.

Common Stacking Formations

The Communication Challenge

Stacking fails when partners don't communicate. Before the point:

1. 1Agree on who goes where
2. 2Use hand signals (behind the back) to confirm
3. 3Call out "stacking" or "regular" before serving

Common Hand Signals

• Fist: I'm staying (no stack)
• Open palm: I'm switching (stack)
• Finger point: You go there

Step-by-Step Execution

Serving Team Stack

1. 1Pre-serve: Non-server stands near the centerline or outside the sideline
2. 2Serve: Server hits the ball
3. 3Move: As the third shot is being hit, both players shift to target positions
4. 4Settle: Arrive at the kitchen line in preferred positions

Returning Team Stack

1. 1Pre-return: Both players on same side, receiver ready
2. 2Return: Receiver hits deep return
3. 3Move: Both advance toward kitchen, crossing if needed
4. 4Settle: Arrive in preferred positions

When NOT to Stack

Stacking isn't always the answer:

• Recreational games: Can annoy partners who don't understand it
• Mismatched skill levels: If one player can't move quickly
• Against lobbers: You need to cover the baseline, not switch positions
• When tired: Sloppy stacking creates confusion and errors

Drills to Master Stacking

Drill 1: Shadow Stack (No Ball)

Practice the movement pattern with your partner for 5 minutes. Call out "serve!" and both shift. Repeat until natural.

Drill 2: Serve and Stack

Server hits, then both players execute the stack. Focus on arriving at the kitchen together.

Drill 3: Game Situations

Play actual points but ALWAYS stack. Accept that you'll make mistakes—repetition builds muscle memory.

Coach Mike's Take

Stacking separates 4.0+ players from everyone else. It's not complicated once you practice it, but it feels awkward at first.

My advice: Pick one formation and master it. Don't try to stack every point with seven variations. Start simple:

1. 1Decide who prefers which side
2. 2Stack only when serving from your "wrong" side
3. 3Expand from there as you get comfortable

The teams that move as a coordinated unit—not two individuals—win tournaments. Stacking is how you become that unit.