What Is Stacking
Normally in doubles, you and your partner switch sides based on the score. With stacking, you start on the same side and quickly switch after the serve or return to maintain preferred positions.
The Basic Idea
If you're right-handed and your partner is left-handed, you might want forehands in the middle for both of you. But the score determines which side you serve from. Stacking lets you override that.
How It Works
You line up on the same side before the point starts. After the serve or return, you quickly slide to your preferred positions. Done smoothly, opponents barely notice.
When Stacking Makes Sense
Not every team needs to stack. Here's when it's worth doing.
Lefty-Righty Combinations
The classic stacking scenario. Both players can have forehands covering the middle. This eliminates the backhand in the middle that many teams struggle with.
Significant Skill Differences
If one player is much stronger, you might want them taking more balls. Stacking can position them to cover more of the court during key moments.
Hiding a Weakness
Maybe your partner has a terrible forehand. Stacking can keep their forehand on the outside where it sees fewer balls while their backhand covers the middle.
Attacking Specific Opponents
If you notice an opponent struggles with cross-court shots from your partner, stacking can set up that pattern more often.
Basic Stacking Patterns
There are different ways to stack depending on whether you're serving or receiving.
Full Stack on Serve
The non-serving partner stands off the court on the same side as the server. After the serve, the server moves to their preferred side while the partner slides onto the court. Requires quick movement.
Half Stack
Only stack on certain serve rotations. Maybe you stack when serving from the odd side but play traditional when serving from the even side. Less movement, less confusion.
Stacking on Return
Same concept but when receiving. The non-returner positions to slide to their preferred side once the return is hit. Usually easier than stacking on serve.
The Challenges
Stacking adds complexity. There are tradeoffs.
Communication Required
You and your partner need to be on the same page. Miscommunication during the switch creates openings for opponents. Practice together before trying it in matches.
Timing Is Tricky
Move too early and you might not cover a quick return. Move too late and you're out of position. Takes practice to get the timing smooth.
Confusion About Score
When you're stacking, it can get confusing who serves next and from which side. You need to track score and positioning separately. Mental load increases.
Physical Demands
Extra movement at the start of every point. If you're playing a long match, this adds up. Make sure the benefit outweighs the energy cost.
Tips for Getting Started
If you want to try stacking, here's how to start.
Start With Half Stacking
Only stack on one side at first. Get comfortable with that before doing full stacking on every point.
Practice the Switch
Drill the movement without opponents. Both players should know exactly where they're going. Hesitation defeats the purpose.
Have a Signal
Use a hand signal or word to confirm you're stacking that point. Eliminates mid-point confusion about positioning.
Is It Worth It
Honestly, many recreational players don't need to stack. Traditional positioning works fine if you're reasonably balanced. But if you have a lefty-righty team or someone with a glaring weakness, stacking might be the edge you need. Try it in practice games before bringing it to tournaments.