Stacking in Pickleball Doubles Made Simple, 2 women playing pickleball

Stacking in Pickleball Doubles Made Simple

What Is Stacking 

Stacking is a doubles strategy used in pickleball to position teammates on the same side of the court after serving or returning. This allows teams to keep players with stronger forehands or better mobility in ideal spots.

Imagine this: You and your partner both serve from the right, but one of you always ends up playing your weaker backhand in the middle. Stacking solves that by letting you rotate positions more strategically.

There are two main types:

  • Full Stack: Both players start on the same side and shift immediately after the serve or return.
  • Partial Stack: Only used on one side (e.g., when a lefty is involved).

Stacking is completely legal under the current World Pickleball Federation and Pickleball South Africa rules, as long as players are in the correct service box at the time of serve.

Who Should Stack & When (Lefty/Righty, Forehand Middle)

Stacking is especially useful if:

  • One player is left-handed, and you want forehands covering the middle
  • One player is more mobile and can cover more ground
  • You have a player with a strong third-shot drop or net play

When to Stack:

  • Serving or returning from odd sides
  • Against teams that struggle with angles
  • When playing at a club or tournament level, court positioning matters

Use stacking early to establish rhythm and pressure opponents with better coverage.

Pros and Cons of Stacking in Doubles

Advantages:

  • Stronger court coverage: Keeps forehands in the middle for both players.
  • Custom positioning: Helps mobile or more experienced players take control.
  • Improved shot strategy: Lets you optimise net and baseline play.
  • Consistency under pressure: Players stay in their strongest zones.

Disadvantages:

  • Complexity for beginners: Harder to learn and coordinate at first.
  • Risk of illegal positioning: Mistakes can lead to faulted serves or returns.
  • Slower transitions: Players may get caught mid-rotation.
  • Communication overload: Miscommunication can break down the strategy.
  • Stacking isn’t essential for every team, but when used well, it adds a strategic edge.

Serve/Return Rotations & Signals

Clear communication is crucial when stacking.

Use these simple signals:

  • Hand behind back: Indicates switch or stay after the shot
  • Point to side or paddle angle: Shows who covers the middle

Example Rotation:

  1. Player A serves from right (standard).
  2. Player B stands far right, ready to slide left.
  3. After the serve, players switch to their preferred side.

Practice these rotations with your regular partner to avoid confusion mid-rally.

Common Mistakes & Quick Drills

Stacking isn’t just about where you stand—it’s about quick movement and clarity.

Common Errors:

  • Forgetting who should be on which side after scoring
  • Slow switching post-serve, leaving gaps
  • Over-communicating and confusing each other

Quick Drills to Improve:

  • Shadow Drills: Practice switching sides without the ball
  • Third Shot Drill: One stacks while the other sets up at the net
  • Wind Court Challenge: Practice with one side exposed to Cape Town-style gusts

Level up with practice using pickleball nets at home, or grab a full starter set for backyard drills.

How to Use Stacking in Windy Coastal Venues

In windy regions like Cape Town or Durban:

  • Stack so your more confident wind-player takes upwind returns
  • Use tighter court coverage to reduce lob vulnerability
  • Communicate louder and with signals (wind affects hearing)

Higher altitude venues like Johannesburg may allow looser stacks due to thinner air and less wind drag.

Stacking FAQs

Q: Do I have to be a high-level player to use stacking?
 A: No, stacking can benefit beginners, too. Just keep communication simple and consistent.

Q: Is stacking allowed in local South African tournaments?
 A: Yes, stacking is legal under all recognised pickleball rules, including those followed by Pickleball South Africa.

Q: What if my partner doesn't want to stack?
 A: Start with partial stacking and use it only on specific points until both partners are comfortable.

Q: How can I tell if stacking is improving our game?
 A: You’ll notice better court coverage, fewer backhand errors in the middle, and increased confidence during rallies.

Try It, Drill It, Stack It

Mastering the pickleball stacking strategy that doubles South African players rely on isn't just for pros. It's a beginner-friendly system that adds court awareness, confidence, and synergy to your doubles game.

Explore our full Everything Pickleball range, from sets to nets, and practice smarter with your team.

 

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