Pickleball Mixed Doubles Stacking Strategy: Pickleball experts Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano recently shared a new strategy lesson focused on “uncoiling” during stacking in mixed doubles play. This lesson was part of their “Mixed Doubles Magic” series on Selkirk TV and helped players understand how to return more effectively while moving into position.
What Uncoiling Means in Mixed Doubles
Uncoiling happens when one partner returns the serve while stacked and then moves—or “slides”—into their usual side. For example, if both players are right-handed, the female player returns from the left. After returning, she slides to the right while the male partner slides to the left, setting up a stronger forehand position in the middle.
Dominic Catalano explained the value of a softer return. “Don’t rip your return as hard as you can… the team that served the ball has to let the ball bounce. They cannot attack.”
A softer return with a bit of height gives players more time to move into place and prepare at the kitchen line.
When to Uncoil and When to Stay Put
Susannah Barr added an important tip: players should avoid switching if the serve is too fast to handle easily. She said, “If the person is serving really big and I might be struggling with my return, I would rather just play straight.”
She emphasized choosing good return placement. One preferred return is down the middle, which gives the returning team time to shift and set up. “If I return down the middle, now my partner can kind of just stay middle to try to protect me as I’m moving up,” Dominic Catalano said.
Return Choices Based on Strategy
Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano then demonstrated different return paths. Dominic suggested trying a return straight down the line because it gives more time to recover.
“Why? Because I like you going down that line… it’s the furthest point from where you have to go,” he said.
Susannah responded, “I mean I think it has potential… if I can hit it slow enough that I can actually get there or you’re putting enough pressure on that player that they end up making an error.”
Communication and Reading the Opponent
Communication between partners is essential during the switch. As Susannah moved up after her return, she made sure Dominic didn’t overreach, saying, “I’m going to make sure that you know that I’m there and that I’m fine and I don’t need you to overreach.”
They stressed that if the opponent hits a strong drop, it may be safer to return down the middle again to avoid sharp angles.
Adjust Based on Strengths and Opponent
The coaches reminded viewers that every team should adjust based on strengths and what works best for them. “Guys, those are the advantages. There are some disadvantages too… continue to evolve your game,” Dominic Catalano said.
News in Brief: Pickleball Mixed Doubles Stacking Strategy
Pickleball coaches Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano taught players how to “uncoil” while stacking in mixed doubles. They advised using soft, well-placed returns to move into position safely. The tips help teams communicate better, cover the court efficiently, and adjust based on return strength and partner dynamics.
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