Stacking explained
Stacking is a legal way for doubles partners to keep each player on their preferred side of the court. Learn how it works for the serving and receiving teams and how to keep track of the score.
What stacking is
In normal doubles, partners switch sides only when the serving team wins a point. That means each player spends time on both the left and right sides. Stacking is a strategy that lets a team keep each player on the side they prefer, as often as possible, while still serving and receiving from the correct court.
It is completely legal. The rules decide who serves and who receives and from which service court, but they do not say where the partner must stand. Partners may line up anywhere on their side, as long as the correct player serves or receives.
Why teams stack
- Forehand in the middle. A right-handed and a left-handed player can both keep their forehands in the middle.
- Strengths on the right side. A team may want its stronger player on the left, where many balls arrive on the forehand for right-handers.
- Comfort. Some players play much better on one side.
How the serving team stacks
The server must serve from the correct court, based on the score. The partner, instead of standing beside the server in the normal way, stands beside the server on the same side, near the sideline or off the court. After the serve, the partner moves across to their preferred side and the server shifts to the other.
Example: Player A prefers the right. The score says Player B must serve from the right. B serves from the right while A waits next to B. After the serve, B slides left and A takes the right.
How the receiving team stacks
The correct receiver must return the serve from the correct court. The partner stands near the receiver, often near the kitchen line on the same side. After the return, the receiver moves to their preferred side and the partner takes the other.
Keeping score while stacking
Stacking can confuse the score call, because players are not where the normal even/odd check would place them. Two habits help:
- Track the starting server: the player who served first for your team. With side-out scoring, when your score is even, the starting server should be serving or receiving from the right; when odd, from the left.
- Confirm the receiver before every serve. Opponents and referees can tell you who should be receiving if you ask.
Half-stacking
Half-stacking means a team stacks only when serving or only when receiving, or uses a partial switch. It is simpler and often enough for recreational teams.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps players on preferred sides | Extra movement after serve and return |
| Can keep forehands in the middle | More confusion about score and positions |
| Lets a team hide a weakness | Opponents can target the switch with fast returns |
Tips to start
- Agree on hand signals before each rally, such as a closed fist behind the back for "we stay" and open hand for "we switch."
- Practice the switch slowly in drills first.
- Use stacking against teams that do not punish the extra movement.
See communication for more on partner signals.