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Mastering Pickleball Stacking
The Strategy You Need to Win More Matches
PICKLEBACK CLUB
March 11, 2025
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PICKLEBACKCLUB
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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨
If you’re looking to take your pickleball doubles game to the next level, stacking might be the strategic advantage you need. By carefully positioning yourself and your partner, stacking allows you to play to your strengths, optimize court coverage, and create better shot opportunities.
Whether you’re aiming to keep a strong forehand in the middle or reduce movement for a less mobile player, stacking can make a big difference.
Stacking in pickleball is a strategic positioning technique used in doubles play to keep a team’s stronger player on their preferred side or to maximize certain shot advantages.
When to Stack in Pickleball
To Keep a Player on Their Stronger Side
If one player has a stronger forehand or backhand from a specific side, stacking helps ensure they stay in that position throughout the match.
Example: A right-handed player with a strong forehand might prefer the left (odd) side to use their forehand in the middle of the court.
To Maximize Offensive and Defensive Coverage
Stacking helps maintain the best angles for poaching, covering the middle, and executing strategic shots.
Useful when one player is better at handling speed-ups or dinks from a specific side.
To Offset Movement Disadvantages
If one player is slower or less mobile, stacking can reduce the amount of movement required.
Example: A less mobile player stays on one side while the quicker player moves around more.
To Confuse Opponents and Disrupt Rhythm
Some opponents struggle with adjusting to stacking, leading to more unforced errors.
To Favor a Lefty-Righty Combination
Stacking helps ensure both players’ forehands are in the middle, maximizing offensive coverage.
How to Stack Properly
1. Stacking on the Serve
The serving player and their partner start on the same side of the court.
After the serve, the partner moves to their desired position while the server moves to cover their assigned side.
2. Stacking on the Return
The returner stays in their normal position to return the serve.
The returner’s partner stands off the court near the sideline, ready to shift into position after the return.
After hitting the return, the returner quickly moves to their preferred side, and their partner shifts accordingly.
3. Switch Positioning Immediately
Communication is key. Call out "switch" or "stack" so both players move efficiently.
Avoid crossing over into each other’s space mid-point.
4. Adjust Based on Opponent’s Playstyle
If opponents target the stacked strategy (e.g., lobbing over the weaker player), adjust positioning accordingly.
5. Practice Stacking Movements
Stacking can feel awkward at first, so practice moving quickly into the correct positions.
When Not to Stack
If it creates confusion and leaves gaps in coverage.
If both players are equally strong on both sides and prefer a standard formation.
If opponents exploit the stacked positioning effectively.
At a 3.5 level aiming for 4.0, stacking can be a game-changer, especially if you have a clear strength on a particular side. Have you tried stacking yet, or are you looking to integrate it into your game?
Stacking can be a game-changer when used strategically, helping you and your partner maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. While it may take some practice to execute smoothly, once mastered, it can elevate your gameplay and disrupt opponents' rhythm.
Whether you're already using stacking or considering integrating it into your strategy, understanding when and how to stack effectively is key to progressing from a 3.5 to a 4.0 player.
Ready to test it out in your next match? See you on the court!
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾
