The defined area on the court shifts when two players team up against another pair. This adjustment modifies the playing field, impacting strategies and player positioning. For example, the alley, typically out of bounds in singles, becomes a live area, significantly widening the space a player must cover.
This alteration is critical for tactical reasons. It encourages a more aggressive net presence and demands quick reactions and precise volleys. Historically, mastery of this spatial dynamic has been a hallmark of successful doubles teams, influencing formations and dictating the pace of rallies.