Stacking in pickleball doubles, explained with drills
What stacking is in pickleball doubles, why teams stack, how to do it legally, and three drills to practise it with a partner.
For players rated 3.5+
When to use it
Stacking is a way of lining up in doubles so each player ends up on the side they prefer, usually to keep both forehands in the middle or a stronger player on one side.
It is legal: the rules fix who serves and receives and from which side, but not where the partner stands. After the serve or return, partners move to their preferred sides.
1.Walk-through
With a partner3.5Learns where each player stands and moves in all four situations.
- Walk through serving from the right, serving from the left, receiving on the right and receiving on the left.
- In each, the player not serving or receiving starts beside their partner on the side they want to end on.
- After the serve or return, move across to your sides.
Reps: Each situation 5 times
2.Stack and play
Four players3.5Builds the habit of switching during live points.
- Play games where one team must stack every point.
- The receiving partner who returns crosses to their side as they run in.
- Call 'switch' or 'stay' before each point.
Reps: 2 games, then the other team stacks
3.Score-checker
Four players4.0+Trains keeping track of who should serve and receive while stacking.
- Before each serve, the receiving team must say who should be receiving.
- If they get it wrong, the other team gets a point.
- Play to 11 with both teams stacking.
Reps: Games to 11
Watch it
Common mistakes
- Losing track of the score and who should serve. Your positions follow the score, not where you stand.
- Switching too early on the return, before the ball is hit.
- Leaving the middle open while crossing.
- Stacking because others do. Do it when it puts your stronger shots in the middle.
What to work on at your level
| 2.5–3.0 | Learn the rules for who serves and receives first. |
|---|---|
| 3.5 | Stack on serve; switch after the return. |
| 4.0+ | Stack on both serve and return, and use it to keep a stronger player on the forehand middle. |
Paddles that help
Stacking is a doubles tactic, and paddles that suit doubles play are stable and all-round so both partners can cover the middle.
Best Pickleball Paddles for DoublesCommon questions
- Is stacking legal in pickleball?
- Yes. The correct player must serve and receive from the correct side, but partners can stand anywhere and switch sides after the ball is in play.
- Why stack in pickleball?
- To keep each player on the side where their strongest shot, often the forehand, covers the middle.
- What's the hardest part of stacking?
- Keeping track of who should serve and receive. Agree on a quick check before each point.
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