When things get questionable on the court, Certified Referee Andrea Mayorga brings the rulebook knowledge. She’s here to help you sort it out with confidence — and if you want to double-check the fine print, the USA Pickleball Official Rulebookhas you covered.

Q. Can you please explain stacking on receiving? I understand stacking on serving. I am a 3.0 player and recently played a 4.0 player who did stacking on receiving. The officials said it was legal. We played and won the gold, but I am still confused on stacking when receiving. – Martha

A. Stacking [Rules 4.B.6, 4.B.7]

There are several variations of the stacking technique. The serving team may stack, the receiving team may stack, or both may use the technique (but not necessarily at all times). To avoid confusion, concentrate only on the correct server and correct receiver based on the score (even or odd) that you have marked on the scoresheet. Ignore where either partner is positioned.

a. Serving team stacking:

1. If a team's score is even at side out, the partner with the starting server identification must serve first from the right-hand court (first server). If the team scores a point, the score will become odd, and the same player must then serve from the left-hand court. As long as the team continues to score, concentrate only on the position of the correct server (player with the starting server identification). Ignore where the partner is positioned.
2. If a team's score is odd at side out, the partner without the starting server identification must serve first from the right-hand court (first server). If the team scores a point, the score will become even, and the partner without the starting server identification must serve from the left-hand court. As long as points are being scored, concentrate only on the position of the correct server (player without the starting server identification). Ignore where the partner is positioned.
3. When the serving team faults, the serve goes to the second server; move the numbered server clip and concentrate only on the position of the correct second server (with or without the starting server identification). Ignore where the partner is positioned.
   
   

b. Receiving team stacking:

1. If a team's score is even at side out, the player with the starting server identification must receive in the right-hand court. Ignore where the partner is positioned.
2. If a team's score is odd at side out, the player without the starting server identification must receive in the right-hand court. Ignore where the partner is positioned.
3. The correct player must receive from the correct position based on their team score (even or odd) until a side out occurs and they regain the serve. Ignore where the partner is positioned when not receiving.
   
   

I would HIGHLY recommend that you practice stacking when receiving with someone who is familiar with this method or have someone who is familiar with this watch you and give pointers. As long as you have the correct receiver and server, then after the return of serve, you may move to your desired positions.

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