If you’ve never stacked in pickleball, or stacked without really understanding why, this article is for you — especially righty/lefty teams.

Most rec players think of doubles positioning as something the rules decide for them. The score tells you which side to start on, you stand where you’re supposed to stand, and you play the point from there. Stacking starts with a different idea: The rules decide where you start, not where you play.

Once that sinks in, the question changes from “Where am I supposed to stand?” to “Where do we want to be when this point gets going?”

For most teams, the answer is the same: With your best shot covering the middle

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Why it matters most for righty/lefty teams

The middle is one of the most important areas in doubles. Smart opponents aim returns, third shots, and attacking balls down the center because it’s a safe, high-percentage target that creates confusion and can force a backhand.

When a right-handed player and a left-handed player line up the traditional way, one arrangement puts both backhands in the middle. That is less than ideal. Good opponents spot it quickly, and then everything comes up the center.

Stacking fixes this. You only switch sides on the points where the score puts you in the wrong alignment, and the result is both forehands in the middle on every point. Few changes give a team this much improvement without changing a single stroke.

I’ve seen it from the other side of the net. My partner and I once played a solid righty/lefty team that didn’t stack on their serve. Every time we saw no forehand in the middle, we sent returns and soft shots straight down the center. We won, not because we were better players, but because they were missing one simple piece of strategy.

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Why it’s worth knowing for all players

For two righties or two lefties, someone’s forehand is always in the middle, so stacking is more optional. It still helps when one player has a stronger forehand or prefers one side of the court.

And if your backhand is solid, the forehand argument matters less. But stacking still lets you decide who takes the middle every time, get your best weapon more chances, and keep a weaker shot out of the line of fire.

Lefties: Stacking is your job

If you’re left-handed, stacking is close to essential. Most of your partners will be righties, and without stacking, many of your points start with a weak alignment.

So don’t wait for a partner to suggest it. Bring it up, and take charge of it. Many righties have never stacked and worry they’ll get confused. Tell them where to stand, keep track of the score yourself, and make it easy. Most won’t want to go back.

Right-handers, when you’re paired with a lefty, ask: “Do you want to stack?”

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How it works: The big picture

The core idea is simple: Start where the rules require, then switch sides once the ball is in play.

You can stack on the serve, so your forehands cover the middle for the third shot, and on the return, so you’re set for your opponents’ third shot. On the return, you can switch every point, or the partner at the kitchen line can flash a hand signal behind their back to call switch, stay, or fake.

Whatever approach you use, move with purpose. A lazy or late switch can leave a gap that’s worse than not stacking at all. Returners: Hit a deep return with some loft to buy time.

If opponents keep punishing your switch, signal to stay put for a while. Once you’re in position, agree on who takes the middle ball so you’re not both reaching for it. And remember that stacking never changes who serves or what the score is, so pick one partner to track positions.

The step-by-step footwork is beyond the scope of this piece. There are plenty of good resources to learn it from: Books, videos, and the experienced stackers at your local courts.

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Ease into it

Start by stacking on the serve only, practice in rec games, and expect a few mix-ups. Laugh them off and fix them before the next serve.

Stacking isn’t a fancy pro trick. It’s a decision to stop letting the starting position decide how your team plays the point. For mixed-handed teams it’s close to a must, for same-handed teams it’s a useful option, and for lefties it’s something to learn well and share.

Own the middle, talk to your partner, and give your forehand the shots it deserves.

Payton Bond Pickleball Strategy book cover.