In this lesson, we’ll explain how the kitchen works for beginners and include some tips that will help players of all skill levels.

Many people think there is only one kitchen rule they must comply with. The reality is that it’s a bit more complex. The most important kitchen rule states that you cannot volley a ball while you are in the kitchen zone or on the kitchen line. This includes any object attached to you or your partner physically. The momentum that led you to volley a ball into the kitchen is also included in this rule.

Now that you know the main kitchen rule, what else is there? The pickleball non-volley zone or kitchen area is a pickleball court's most strategic play area. Most points are won or lost on the non-volley zone line. Mastering the kitchen is pivotal if you want to become a better player.

What is the Kitchen?

The kitchen is the informal term for the non-volley zones on each side of the court in pickleball. This section is a rectangle that extends 7 feet from the net and is marked by court lines that extend to both sidelines.

In the kitchen zone, you may volley if your paddle is hovering but not if your feet are in direct contact with the ground.

Why Does the Kitchen Rule Exist in Pickleball?

The kitchen rule reduces the chances of someone smashing the ball when they stand at the net. Consider what might happen if players stood at the net while playing. It would make the game impossible. We use the kitchen as a buffer to prevent this kind of play.

The Kitchen Rules in Pickleball

Let’s discuss the rules of the kitchen. The critical rule for the kitchen is that you cannot stand in the kitchen or make contact with it while volleying a ball. To clarify, when a ball is hit in midair before it hits the ground, it is called a volley.

The official rules of pickleball put forth by USA Pickleball state:

“A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying touches the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley line. For example, a fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, one of the player’s feet touches a non-volley line.”

New players should take care not to hit the ball out of midair while standing in the kitchen or on the kitchen line.

Dropping Physical Objects in the Kitchen

It’s important to keep in mind that dropping your paddle is still considered a fault after you've volleyed the ball. This can happen to anything else you physically hold. A fault will occur even if your glasses fall off into the kitchen without stepping inside. Anything that happens by momentum will also be called your fault.

Dead Balls in the Kitchen

Pickleball players shouldn't go into the kitchen if they're in a tournament, regardless of whether the ball is dead.

The Pickleball Paddle and the Kitchen

Don't worry if you volley the ball while your paddle is over the line in midair. The boundaries of the kitchen are two-dimensional. This means that the air above the boundary lines of the kitchen is fair play. This also means that any part of your body that passes the line in the air above the boundary is okay as long as there is no physical contact.

Exceptions to the Pickleball Kitchen Rule

Remember that only balls that have been volleyed fall under the kitchen rulebook. If the ball bounces in the non-volley zone, you are able to hit a groundstroke in any part of the kitchen. This means you can hit that ball inside the non-volley zone without it being a fault.

The official rules often overlook another crucial point:

“A fault will be declared if the player violates the intent of the non-volley zone rule. All volleys must be initiated outside of the non-volley zone. To maneuver, such as standing within the non-volley zone, jumping up to hit a volley, and then landing outside the non-volley zone. If a player has touched the non-volley zone for any reason, that player cannot volley the return until both feet have made contact with the playing surface completely outside the non-volley zone.”

This means that you cannot be standing inside the kitchen zone, jump up and volley the ball without touching the ground, and then land in another spot. When you're in the kitchen, it is forbidden to initiate a volley, whether or not you are touching the ground.

You must first reset your stance outside the kitchen before initiating a volley after being in the kitchen to volley the ball safely.

What Can You Do in the Kitchen?

You can do whatever you like in the kitchen as long as the ball is not being initiated or volleyed.

The practice of returning a short dink in the kitchen is widespread. However, make sure the ball has bounced first. It is essential to be careful here because you are also a sitting target in the kitchen.

The closer you are to the net, the more space there is behind you. Opponents will see this opening and hit a lob over your head, which can be difficult to return. If you find yourself in the kitchen, stay calm, remember the rules, and make a hasty retreat to the kitchen line as soon as possible.

How Close Should Players Stand to the Kitchen?

By now, you’re probably wondering, “Where should I stand when it is so dangerous in the kitchen?”

Generally, you want to be close to the kitchen without being on the NVZ line, depending on the game scenario on the court. This is referred to as "toeing the line." This means that our feet are aligned just a few inches behind the kitchen line.

If you're a beginner, this takes practice. The non-volley line boundary can be visually lost when you're playing. Over time, you'll be able to mentally sense a wall in front of you that will keep you from going in as you gain experience.

Pickleball players standing at the NVZ line

How to Stop Breaking the Kitchen Rule

The kitchen rule can be difficult as it’s one that you won’t find in any other game. It is important to familiarize yourself with the non-volley zone line.

One way to practice this is to perform pre-pickleball game running drills. As part of your warm-up, run from the baseline to the non-volley zone line and plant your feet as close to the line as possible without crossing it. Jog backward to the baseline and repeat. The repetition of doing this action will help your brain remember there is a line that should not be crossed.

If you play doubles, stay in constant communication with your partner. If your partner has been playing longer, have them remind you when you can hit the ball in the non-volley zone. Have them use a simple phrase to indicate you can engage the ball.

Final Thoughts

Knowing and understanding the pickleball kitchen rule is important for all players. It may take some time to get used to the rules if you’re a beginner, but after you’ve been playing for a few months, it will become second nature. For further pickleball tips for playing in the kitchen, check out this article. Good luck out there!