Switching vs. Stacking when Playing Pickleball – Which is Better?

When playing pickleball, switching and stacking are similarly-purposed strategies that are implemented into the “game-plan” in order to move doubles partners out of their “traditional” starting court positions and into more strategic, rearranged positions in order  to maximize the strengths of one or both partners.

Both strategies are very commonly implemented when one partner is right-handed and the other left-handed.  By switching and/or stacking, the team is able to position both players in a way such that both of their forehands (traditionally, the stronger shot) are in the middle.

If both partners are the same-handed, the goal of stacking and/or switching is typically to position the player with the “better” forehand in the middle. You will often see this in mixed doubles as the male partner traditionally (but not always) has the more powerful forehand.

With the goal of taking away the opponents easiest shot – the middle – and positioning firepower here, the chances of winning the #pickleball rally are greatly enhanced.

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Stacking

We have previously written an exhaustive primer on stacking on both the serve and/or the return-of-serve.  When stacking, there is no surprise as to the intent of the stacking team. Both partners – when stacking – will initially be positioned on the same side of the court with one partner sliding into the “near” position and the other crossing over to the opposite side of the court.

Switching

Switching – when implemented – is executed by the team returning the serve.  Whereas stacking has both partners initially positioned on one side of the court, switching has both partners starting the rally on their “traditional” side and then switching after the return-of-serve is hit.  The partner that began on the left is now on the right and the one that started on the right is now on the left.

Advantages of Switching

Switching has several advantages:

1. Similar to stacking, firepower (one or both players’ dominant side) is placed in the middle.
2. Chaos/confusion is created because your opponents won’t initially know (different than stacking) if you will be switching spots with your partner or staying in the traditional position.
3. Faking the switch can be executed – further exacerbating the chaos/confusion for your opponents.
4. The switch (unlike stacking) can be aborted if the opponent executes a serve that would put the return-of-server grossly out of position, such that they wouldn’t have time to make the switch.

Disadvantages when Switching

Although there are several benefits to switching, there are a few disadvantages to the strategy as well. Extreme care must be taken so that you don’t end up positioned in the “I” formation on the same side of the courts as your partner.

1. For just a brief moment when doing the switch, the return-of-server’s sight will be obstructed by the switching partner. That could make returning a third shot drive from your opponents a bit more challenging.
2. Switching – like stacking – can be confusing.  Am I required to start the next rally on the left side or the right side? Don’t mess that up or you’ll incur a fault.
3. Partner communication is critical.  If you miss a sign, you’ll be in that dreaded “I” formation with both partners covering the same side of the court and leaving the other side “open” and undefended.

Hand Signals when Switching

Hand signals as a means to communicate with your partner are most commonly used when implementing a switching strategy.  As the return-of-server is preparing to return the serve they will glance at their partner who is positioned at the non-volley line and acknowledge receipt of the signal.

Open hand frequently means, “switch.”  Closed fist typically means, “stay.”  You may also likely have a signal indicating a fake.  Regardless of the actual sign, it’s imperative that you’re on the same page as your partner.

Final Thoughts

Both switching and stacking are solid strategies that will put weaponry in the middle of the court. When stacking, your opponents know what’s coming.  When switching, there’s an added element of surprise.

What about your team?  Do you stack?  Do you switch?  Let us know in the comments below.

See you on the courts.

>>READ MORE: Pinch & Squeeze the Middle to Take Away your Opponent’s Easiest Shots!<<