Pickleball has become a very popular paddle sport that combines many aspects of table tennis, badminton and tennis.
One of the most unique and important parts about the game of pickleball is what is commonly referred to as the kitchen. This is a term that you’ll often hear on the pickleball court and is one all pickleball players need to understand as it effects many rules and how the game is played.
So, what is the kitchen in Pickleball? The Kitchen or non-volley zone in pickleball is an area on the pickleball court that extends 7 feet from both sides of the net and from sideline to sideline. In the kitchen players aren’t allowed to volley (hit the pickleball out of the air) and will receive a fault when volleying in this non-volley zone. This area includes lines and/or when a player momentum causes them to enter the kitchen. A player may legally be in the kitchen any other time other than when volleying the ball.
Now that we have gone over the basics of what the kitchen is, let’s talk more in-depth about this zone and how it affects different rules and aspects of the game.
The Pickleball Kitchen
The reason why the kitchen is often talked about is because it’s a unique pickleball rule that is often easy to break as a beginner and can be hard to get used to, especially if you play other racquet sports like tennis.
Most picklers (people who play pickleball) call this non-volley area of the pickleball court the kitchen. However, if you look up the official rule book it calls this zone the non-volley area, but everyone refers to it as the kitchen.
What is the kitchen? The kitchen is a section at the front of the court that’s 7 feet from the net and 20 feet wide (sideline to sideline).
In this section players are not permitted to volley or in other words hit the pickleball out of the air while within the kitchen. If a player does volley while in the kitchen (including lines) it is a fault.
It is also considered a fault when the player’s momentum causes them to touch the kitchen including the associated lines. This also applies to anything that is physically connected to you (paddle, keys, clothing etc).
Here is a look at the official pickle ball rules for the non-volley area (Kitchen):
“It is a fault if the volleying player or anything that has contact with the volleying player while in the act of volleying, touches the non-volley zone.” (Source: usapickleball.org)
An important thing to note about the kitchen area is that the rule applies only to the physical ground, but not to the space above it. Meaning that is perfectly legal to volley a ball while your paddle is over the kitchen zone if you’re not physically touching the kitchen.
This is an important to distinguish as you will often see players reaching above the kitchen zone with their paddle as they volley the return.
To help clarify this, here are a few examples of what would and wouldn’t be considered a fault in relation to the kitchen.
Fault Examples
- Running into the kitchen and slamming a volley.
- A player steps on the kitchen line while volleying.
- You paddle touches the kitchen or line while volleying.
- Any part of your body (finger, shoe, clothing, hat, etc.) touches the kitchen (including lines) while volleying.
- If a player drops their paddle into the kitchen, it’s considered a fault.
- If your momentum carries you into the kitchen when volleying.
- If you push off your partner who is in the kitchen while volleying, it’s a fault.
Non-Faults Examples
- If a ball lands in the kitchen its okay to enter and hit the ball after it bounces.
- Your partner can be in the kitchen when you volley as long as you don’t touch them.
- It’s okay if your momentum carries you into the kitchen if the ball bounces first.
- You can get help from you partner if you are falling into the kitchen as long as they are not in the non-volley zone themselves.
- It’s okay to go into the kitchen and come out to volley as long as both feet make contact outside before volleying.
- The Kitchen rules only applies to the player volleying.
(Source: usapickleball)
Video Explanation
Now let’s discuss some other important things to consider about the kitchen and answer a few of the most asked questions.
Pickleball Kitchen Q&A
Can You Ever Step into the Kitchen in Pickleball? Yes, a player can enter the kitchen at any time except when volleying the ball. In other words, as long as you don’t hit the ball out of the air while physically in the kitchen you won’t have to worry about committing a fault.
Can A Serve Land in the Kitchen? A pickleball serve must land within the correct service court (court diagonally opposite of the server). If the serve lands in the kitchen and or not in the correct service court it is considered a fault. Lines are also included in part of the correct court.
Can the Return Serve in Pickleball land in the Kitchen? Yes, if you are returning the serve while following the double bounce rule the ball is can land in the kitchen on a return.
Who Can Call Kitchen Pickleball Fault? In officiated matches the official is in charge of calling kitchen or non-volley area faults. In non-officiated play, kitchen faults may be called by any player on either team. If there are any disagreements the team calling the fault will be given priority.
Can Only One Player Be in the Kitchen? No, this is a common myth in pickleball. Both players are allowed to be in the kitchen at the same time. The only thing that matters is that you can’t hit a volley while in the kitchen or get hit by the ball.
Tips for Playing Around the Kitchen Rule
Here are few tips that will help you navigate around and use the kitchen rules to your advantage.
Be in an Athletic Position
One of the best ways to hit a volley without being in the kitchen is to be in an athletic position with your knees bent. This will allow you to maintain your balance and reach above the kitchen and hit the ball without going in.
Move in and Out as Needed
You can move in and out of the kitchen as long as you don’t volley while in this zone. If a ball lands in the kitchen move into the kitchen and get you feet set and hit the ball with control. Once you have hit the ball move back out of the kitchen and get ready for the next shot.
Quickly Move Out of the Kitchen After a Hit
The reason most pickleball players will tell you to only go into the kitchen if the ball bounces first is because if the opposing team returns the ball and it hits you than it is considered a fault. Also, you will not be able to volley while in the kitchen, because of this its best to quickly move out of the kitchen after you hit the ball so you can be in the proper position for the next shot.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities due to the straightforward rules and ease of play. It’s inexpensive, social and has many health benefits.
Understanding the different rules and terminology of the game of pickleball is important and will help you enjoy and teach this great game to others.
I hope you have found the information in this article to be insightful and that it helps you on your journey of enjoying the sport of pickleball with others.