What Is Stacking? (And Why Smart Doubles Teams Use It)

If you've watched competitive pickleball and wondered why players are standing in strange places before the serve — you've seen stacking. And once you understand it, you'll want to use it too.

The basics

In standard doubles, players stay on their respective sides — left or right — throughout the game. Stacking is a strategy where both players line up on the same side of the court before the serve, then shift into their preferred positions once the ball is in play.

The goal? Make sure each player ends up on their dominant side, regardless of where the score puts them.

Why it matters

Most players have a stronger forehand than backhand. In a standard setup, the score rotation can put your weaker side in the middle — exactly where most balls go. Stacking lets you and your partner control your positioning so your forehands are always in the right place.

It's not a trick. It's geometry.

When to use it

Stacking works best when one player has a significantly stronger forehand, or when two left-handed and right-handed players want both forehands in the middle. It takes communication and practice, but once it clicks, it changes how you see the court.

The mindset behind it

Stacking is a THIRD SHOT kind of move — patient, deliberate, and built on knowing your game. It's the kind of strategy that separates players who react from players who think two shots ahead.

If you're wearing a SOFT HANDS Dad Hat, you already know: the mental game is half the battle.

Want to try it? Start simple — stack on the serve only, get comfortable with the movement, then build from there. Your opponents will notice.