Pickleball is a sport that takes a minute to learn and forever to master, which is exactly why it is becoming the fastest growing sport all over the world. But why is Pickleball so interesting? Isnt it just like a smaller version of Tennis? To answer these questions you first need to know about the Kitchen is Pickleball.
If you have come here to learn about the Kitchen rules of Pickleball then welcome to the gang which consists of players from all levels ever since 1965. So without further adieu, lets get a concrete understanding of all the Kitchen rules and how they affect the game of Pickleball, at the end of the article we have also created a list of kitchen rules that can possibly be modified in the near future as our most loved game keeps on evolving.
What is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The kitchen area—also called the non-volley zone—is a seven-foot section on both sides of the pickleball net. According to official rules, players are not allowed to hit a volley while standing inside this zone. This rule was designed to prevent the serve-and-volley strategy often seen in tennis and to stop players from camping at the net to easily smash every return, which would otherwise be simple given the smaller size of a pickleball court.
To put is simply, no player can hit the ball before it bounces if he/she has any part of their body or any part of their gear that is on their personnel which has enteren the kitchen zone, please note: the Kitchen line is also a part of the kitchen zone.
This rule. However, is not applicable is a player is outside the kitchen zone and decides to reach and hit the ball off the air while the ball is floating over the kitchen zone, thus making the kitchen a 2D area and not 3D.
If the ball bounces in the kitchen area, players are free to enter the kitchen area and hit a shot, if the return is quick and you find yourself still in the kitchen you will have to step out to hit a shot or wait for the ball to bounce.
Failure to follow this rule results in a fault, and the point or break of serve is rewarded to the opponents.
We know this is a lot to process for a mere 7 foot zone, so here is how we breakdown the rules for all to understand. First we explain what exactly is a volley in Pickleball followed by how it impacts the kitchen zone and then finally list down the most common questions related to the kitchen area along with a clear cut answer about it.
What is a Volley?
In pickleball when you hit the ball before in bounces it is called a volley. This shot is normally used to attack the opponent thus volleys are also referred to as “overheads” or “smash shots.” As long as a player does not step into the kitchen area, they can hit Volley shots from any position on the court, or even from outside the measured pickleball court area.
A volley shot is seen as a finisher shot in almost all racquet sports, players often work on strategies to make their next shot a volley and the same is with the sport of Pickleball. However given that a pickleball court is small in size, volleying from the net would be a clear disadvantage thus the kitchen rule/non volley zone has been set up.
Can You Ever Step in the Kitchen in Pickleball?
Yes — as long as you’re not hitting a volley while inside the non-volley zone, you’re completely allowed to stand in the kitchen. In doubles play especially, positioning yourself near the kitchen line is ideal — it gives you a strong spot to volley effectively while also allowing you to reach and respond to softer shots with ease.
A common misconception among beginner level players is that the kitchen area or Non-volley zone cannot be entered at all. So first things first, you have learned that this statement is not true. A player can step into the kitchen whenever they want as long as they are not hitting a volley while standing in the kitchen.
Can You Go into the Kitchen Before the Ball Bounces?
Yes! You’re simply not allowed to volley the ball while standing in the kitchen. You can step into the zone, but before hitting a volley, both feet must be completely outside the non-volley area. Otherwise, you need to wait for the ball to bounce before making your shot—while still following all the other kitchen rules.
We’re sure you’re starting to sense a theme at play here. But don’t take our word for it, let’s look at the book of pickleball kitchen rules.
Can a Pickleball Serve Hit the Kitchen Line?
In pickleball, a legal serve cannot land on the kitchen line — also known as the non-volley zone line — or even touch it. If the ball hits this line, or the connected centerline or sideline, it’s considered a fault during the serve.
This makes the game more interesting as all players have to ensure that not even a little part of their feet is stepping on the kitchen line while taking a volley.
Official Kitchen Rules of Pickleball – USA Pickleball
The kitchen area in pickleball has always been an area that has been debated the most, but that is what makes this sport so interesting. The Erne and bert are loopholes that bypass the official kitchen rules, but other than that there are still some rules about the kitchen that you should know about, this will make you stand out on any pickleball court.
Non-Volley Zone Rules: General Rules of the Kitchen
Section 9 of USA Pickleball’s 2023 rule book (page 44) is where you will find all the answers related to the kitchen area in Pickleball. To simplify it, we have listed each rule below along with a 1 sentence explanation.
- Rule 9.A. – A player cannot hit a volley while touching the kitchen.
- Rule 9.B. – If a player or their paddle touches any part of the kitchen while volleying,then it is considered as a fault. Even after you have completed the point, follow-through, momentum, or anything you’re wearing is not allowed to touch the kitchen area.
- Rule 9.C. – If a players momentum takes them in the kitchen it is a fault, for a doubles match if both players collide and the player who hit the volley lands in the kitchen then that too will be considered as a fault.
- Rule 9.D. – If a played is inside the kitchen area, they cannot volley volley until both feet are completely back out of the kitchen. Taking the volley by jumping is also a fault if the played has made the jump while they were inside the kitchen area.
- Rule 9.E. – A player is allowed to be in the kitchen as per their preference but not when taking a volley shot.
- Rule 9.F. – A player is allowed to hit the ball from the kitchen provided it has bounced first.
- Rule 9.G. – A player can stay back in the kitchen even after they hit a shot off the bounce, and can also return the next shot if it has bounced in the kitchen. But if its a volley then that would be a fault.
- Rule 9.H. – In a doubles match, if you are standing inside the kitchen and your partner has hit a volley from outside the kitchen then this play is completely legal and the rally can continue.
Momentum: What Does It Mean in Pickleball?
Momentum based kitchen rules are defined as Rules 9.B.1., and 9.C., however it is considered as incomplete definitions. To find a simplified ruling the USA Pickleball has defined momentum for all of us as rule 3.A.20., which reads as follows:
- Rule 3.A.20. – Momentum is a property of a body in motion, such as a player executing a volley, that causes the player to continue in motion after contacting the ball. The act of volleying produces momentum that ends when the player regains balance and control of their motion or stops moving toward the non-volley zone.
To understand in simple terms, regardless of the movement being intentional or unintentional after the player hits a volley, if they fall in the kitchen then it is considered as ‘stepped into the kitchen’ fault. So remember, the next time you volley, make sure to remain outside the kitchen till the whole rally is resetted
Serving: How the Kitchen Rules Apply
- Rules 4.A.2. and 4.M.5. – The serve may clear or touch the net and must clear the NVZ and the NVZ lines… This ensures that the serve lands only in the service court, which is diagonally opposite to the serving player. That area does not include the kitchen – and since the kitchen includes its line, that’s also off-limits.
Partially unrelated, the service court does include every other line that forms its boundary, such as the baseline, sideline, and centerline. Serving has a long list of rules, so be sure to brush up on them as you get more entrenched in the sport. Not doing so is a quick way to earn avoidable faults.
Hopefully, this gave you a clear and simple understanding of the kitchen and its rules. If you ever come across any misconceptions about them, you’ll now know the facts—and can help clear things up for others.
Common Questions related to the Non-Volley Zone
We often notice that most players have repeatedly asked these questions which do not have a definitive answer in the rules, thus we mentioned these questions along with a crystal clear answer for the same.
Can You Jump and Land in the Kitchen in Pickleball?
Yes, a player can jump and land in the kitchen in pickleball—as long as they don’t hit a volley while doing so. Other than that, players are free to stand in the kitchen for as long as they want and can hit any shot that bounces before contact.
Momentum is another factor that a player has to watch out for in order to plan their jump and land, for further detailed information on this do check out rule
3.A.20. Which is highlighted above in the article.
What Can You Not Do in the Kitchen In Pickleball?
Yes, you can definitely “cook” your opponent in the kitchen—but keep in mind, there are two key faults related to this area in pickleball.
- A serve must clear the kitchen, including the kitchen line.
- A player cannot volley while standing in the kitchen. If any part of your body or paddle touches the kitchen after hitting a volley due to momentum, it’s considered a fault, and the point goes to your opponent.
When Can You Go into the Kitchen in Pickleball?
You’re allowed to enter the kitchen at any time, as long as you don’t volley the ball while standing inside it. It’s also completely fine if your partner volleys while you’re in the kitchen. Another valid reason to step into the kitchen is when you’re hitting a ball that has already bounced.
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