Instructors

Stacking is a strategic positioning tactic where teammates start on the "wrong" side of the court during a serve or return to ensure they end up in their preferred positions (left vs. right side) once the point begins. While it can look like a chaotic dance at the baseline, it is a highly calculated move used to maximize a team’s strengths.

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When to Stack

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Stacking is most effective when players have a clear preferred side based on their dominant hand or specific skill sets. You should consider stacking if:

• You have a Lefty/Righty Duo: This is the most common reason. The left handed person plays on the right, and the right handed person plays on the left.  By stacking, you can keep both players’ forehands in the middle of the court, creating a "wall" of power.  This works well in both mixed and gender doubles.

• One Player has a "Monster" Forehand: If one player is significantly better at poaching or controlling the middle with their forehand, they usually want to play the left side (for right-handers).  When playing mixed doubles, it is common to put the male partner on the left side.

• Mobility Differences: If one player is faster or more adept at "tracking down" lobs, they might prefer the left side, which typically covers more court during cross-court dinks.  This is also common on mixed doubles.

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Stacking Strategies: Mixed vs. Gender Doubles

The logic behind the stack shifts slightly depending on who you are facing and the team dynamic.

1. Mixed Doubles Strategy

In mixed doubles, the strategy often revolves around the "middle" and protecting against the opposing male player’s power.

• The "Woman on the Right" Standard: Traditionally, the female player plays the right side and the male plays the left. This allows the male player’s forehand to cover the middle of the court.

• The Aggressive Switch: If the female player has a stronger backhand or the male player is left-handed, teams will stack to ensure the left-handed male is on the right side. This keeps both forehands in the middle.

• Identifying the Target: If the opponents are consistently targeting the female player, stacking can be used to shift her to a side where she feels more comfortable defending specific angles.

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2. Gender Doubles Strategy

In gender doubles (Men’s or Women’s), stacking is usually about court coverage.

• The Forehand Middle: When both players are right handed, the more aggressive "attacker" usually stacks to stay on the left side. Their forehand covers the middle, allowing them to poach third-shot drops and high balls in the middle.

• The Lefty Advantage: If you have one lefty, you almost always stack. The goal is to put the lefty on the right side and the righty on the left. This puts both forehands in the middle, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to find a "weak" backhand down the center.

• Defensive Stability: Sometimes teams stack to put a more consistent, "steady" player on the right and the "finisher" on the left to end points.

• Stuck on a point: Sometimes teams will strategically switch sides while serving if you are stuck (meaning you have not scored in a couple rallies or more).  This helps refresh the play by switching it up.  It works surprisingly often.