Stacking

Stacking is a doubles strategy where partners position themselves on the same side of the court before a serve or return, rather than the straightforward left and right split, so that each player ends up covering their preferred side once the ball is in play. After the serve or return is struck, both players move into their intended positions.

Teams use stacking to keep a stronger player covering the middle, to keep a forehand facing the middle of the court, or to hide a weaker return of serve behind a stronger partner. It is legal as long as both players are lined up correctly relative to the score and the serving or receiving rules at the moment the ball is struck.

A common mistake for teams new to stacking is losing track of court position after a long rally and drifting back into a standard split, which can create confusion about who covers which shot. It takes practice to communicate quickly between points about which side each partner should start on.