If you’ve ever felt confused about stacking in pickleball doubles, you’re not alone. Many players—especially women—shy away from it because it seems complicated. But once you understand the “why” and “how,” stacking becomes a smart, game-changing strategy for better court positioning and teamwork.

What Is Stacking?

Stacking is a positioning strategy where teammates line up on the same side before or after a serve to keep each player on their preferred side of the court.

For example, a right-handed player might always want their strong forehand in the middle, while their partner prefers playing the left. Stacking allows you to stay in your best spots without breaking the serving or returning rules.

You’ll often see the serving or receiving team “stack” by standing together on one side, then sliding quickly into position as the point begins. The main thing to remember is that you must be the correct server on the correct side—and that goes for returns too.

Why It Matters in Women’s Doubles

Plays to strengths: Keeps your best shots—usually your forehand—in the middle, where you can control play.
Improves communication: Each player knows their role and zone, reducing confusion on who takes the middle.
Enhances strategy: Helps you target opponents’ weaknesses and build consistent team patterns.
Boosts confidence: When rotations feel automatic, you spend less energy thinking and more on executing.

Smart Drills to Master Stacking

Here are a few simple, practical pickleball stacking drills to make stacking second nature:

1. Shadow Rotations (No Ball Drill)

Goal: Learn the footwork and movement patterns.

Stand with your partner on the same side as if stacking.
Call out “serve” or “return” and both move into your correct positions (server/partner or receiver/partner).
Repeat for both sides until you can do it smoothly without thinking.
Tip: Film yourselves so you can check spacing and timing.

2. Serve + Slide Drill

Goal: Get used to stacking from the serving side.

One player serves from the far sideline (in a stacked position).
After contact, both players slide into their target zones—the server moves to cover their half, the partner steps into the NVZ.
Repeat 10 times, alternating sides, focusing on quick, clean transitions.

3. Return + Recover Drill

Goal: Practice stacking on the return side.

Start in a stacked position with both players on one side.
The receiver returns deep, then moves crosscourt to the correct side while partner slides into the NVZ.
Work on timing—you should both be set by the third shot.

4. Game Simulation Drill

Goal: Build confidence under pressure.

Play short games (to 5 points) using full stacking.
If you get confused or switch wrong, stop, reset, and correct it.

Things to Remember

Stacking isn’t just for advanced players—it’s for any women’s doubles team that wants better consistency, stronger positioning, and smarter teamwork. Start with the footwork drills, add real serves and returns, then bring it into your games.

Once you and your partner feel natural with it, you’ll wonder how you ever played without stacking.

When I started to learn it, I would watch a lot of pros on YouTube to track how they did it. Yes—it's overwhelming at first, but you'll figure it out. Good luck—and remember, it's supposed to be fun!

About the Author: Gina Cilento is a top 10 Senior Pro and multi-APP medalist who splits her time between competing and coaching. She’s the co-founder of The Pickleball Lab, a pod player for the Denver Iconics in the National Pickleball League, and co-host of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil. Off the court, Gina shares her passion through her apparel line, The Pick, and her work with Empower Pickleball.

Smart Drills for Women Learning to Stack in Doubles