Advanced Doubles Strategy: Stacking and Positioning
If you’ve got your dinks dialed, your serve’s landing deep, and you don’t panic every time someone floats a third shot your way, congrats. You’re officially out of beginner territory. Now it’s time to step things up with smarter movement, tighter positioning, and one of the most underrated tactics in the game: stacking.
Let’s break down some next-level doubles strategies, including when and how to stack so you and your partner are always set up to win.
Serve Strategy: Set Up the Point from the Start
Yeah, the serve seems basic. But a good one gives you control before the rally even begins.
Goal: Hit it deep and consistent to keep your opponents pinned back and limit their shot choices.
Advanced Play: Call a poach plan before the point. One player serves, then slides over to pick off a return or force a shaky lob.
Stacking Tip: Got someone with a nasty forehand? Stack so they serve from the left and end up on the right, putting that forehand right in the middle for the next shot.
Return of Serve: Get to the Kitchen… Fast
Getting the return back is only part of it. Getting to the line is where the magic happens.
A diagram of stacking on the return of serve.
Goal: Send it deep, then book it to the non-volley zone.
Advanced Play: Aim at the weaker backhand or throw it wide to keep a strong net player guessing.
Positioning Tip: The returner’s partner should already be at the kitchen, cutting off angles and ready to pounce. Talk about who’s got the lobs so you’re not both chasing the same ball.
Want your stronger player on the left side after the return? Stack before the point so they can slide over into position, especially helpful in mixed when one player is owning the middle.
Third Shot: Drop It, Drive It, or Keep ‘Em Guessing
This is where most matches are won or lost, and where variety really matters.
Drop: A soft shot into the kitchen so you can move up.
Drive: Low and fast; puts pressure on their hands.
Lob: Not common, but can be a great reset if they’re crowding the line.
Advanced Tip: Mix it up. Drive one, drop the next. Keep them wondering what’s coming.
If your power player is serving, stack so they can rip the third shot drive from their forehand side, then get them back to their usual spot after. Smart stacking like that turns a basic setup into a serious advantage.
Transition Zone: Don’t Get Caught in No-Man’s Land
This stretch between the baseline and kitchen can be chaos, unless you play it smart.
Goal: Hit soft shots and move in with your paddle up and your eyes sharp.
Teamwork Move: One player drops the shot, the other hands just behind in case of a counterattack.
Avoid rushing in on a bad shot without securing a solid third or fifth shot. And, always move together. One play hanging back while the other is hugging the net is an open invitation for angles and attacks.
At the Net: Time to Play Chess
Once you’re both at the kitchen, the real game begins.
Crosscourt Dinks: Higher percentage, safer, and they’ll wear down your opponents.
Middle Dinks: Throw off their rhythm and set your partner up to poach.
Firefight Ready: Stay low, paddle up, and go for hips or shoulders when the hands battle starts.
If your partner gets pulled wide, slide over and cover the middle. Stay ready to move, not stuck in one spot.
Stacking Tip: Got someone with lightning-fast hands? Stack them on the left so they cover the middle with their forehand and jump on counters. Works great on the return side too.
When to Stack (and When Not To)
Stacking helps keep players on their preferred side, especially when one of you is more dominant with a forehand or move better across the court.
Stack when:
You’re playing mixed and one player controls the middle
You want your big forehand player covering the center
You’re both confident with switching and footwork
Skip it when:
You’re getting tangled up or late to position
Your transitions are slow and causing confusion
The other team’s play fast and wide; you’ll need lateral speed
Pro Tip: Try partial stacking. Only stack on serve or return depending on where it makes the biggest difference. Keep it simple.
Communication: Your Secret Weapon
The best strategy in the world means nothing if you’re not talking.
Call every ball.
Talk about the plan before the point.
Use simple hand signals behind your back to coordinate on poaches or stacking:
✊ Closed fist = stay
✋ Open hand = switch
👉 Pointing = poach
Wrapping It Up
Advanced doubles is about moving like a team, playing to your strengths, and setting each other up for success. Stack when it makes sense. Keep talking. And stay sharp at the kitchen, because that’s where the real fun begins.