Mastering Volleys at the Kitchen: Pickleball coach Rob Nunnery is helping new players learn how to control the game by mastering volleys at the kitchen line. In a new video lesson, he explains that beginners should focus less on dinking and more on positioning and hitting volleys to improve faster in real matches.
Why Beginners Should Start at the Kitchen Line
Nunnery believes that new players often struggle because they stay back from the net or rely too much on groundstrokes. He says this doesn’t work well in beginner games.
“My belief is that when you’re just starting out in pickleball that you want to learn how to volley,” Nunnery said. “Because what I see often times is somebody standing at the kitchen line or often times they don’t even get here, but the ball’s coming, they’re backing up because they’re more comfortable back here and hitting the ball off the bounce.”
He adds that the team at the kitchen line usually has the advantage, so beginners should practice staying up front and learning how to hit volleys out of the air.
Proper Position and Technique
Nunnery gives a clear guide for body and paddle positioning. He stands with knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart.
“All we’re looking to do here is have a nice wide base about shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, paddle always out in front,” he said. “Because if we’re hanging out here, the ball’s coming quick, you’re going to be in trouble.”
He also recommends using a continental grip, keeping the paddle face open, and avoiding backswings. This helps the ball pop off the paddle quickly.
“Right on contact, we’re not taking a big backswing,” he explained. “So we want to keep it out in front, and all we’re looking to do right on contact is squeeze the grip hard.”
Practicing with a Partner
In the demonstration, Jamie Su hits balls at Nunnery so he can volley them back. He resets to the center after each shot, keeping the paddle in front. Nunnery uses the drill to show how quick reactions and solid form lead to better control during play.
“So here’s some examples: ready position, shoulder width apart, paddle out in front… right after I hit it, I’m going right back to the center,” he said. “I’m never going behind that kitchen line.”
Why This Matters for Beginners
Nunnery stresses that this approach helps players improve faster and feel more confident during games. It also sets them apart from other beginners who stay back and rely on slow shots.
“If you can get comfortable doing this right out of the gate and you’re playing with other beginners, you’re going to advance so much faster,” he said. “Because they’re going to be backing up and you’re going to be just comfort hitting it down at them.”
He also notes that fear of the ball keeps players from staying up front. But practicing volleys can reduce that fear.
“Get comfortable with the kitchen line. Don’t let them push you back,” Nunnery advised. “If this is where you start and this is what you get comfortable with, you’re going to be advancing very quickly from that beginner stage to the intermediate stage.”
News in Brief: Mastering Volleys at the Kitchen
Pickleball coach Rob Nunnery teaches beginners to focus on volleys at the kitchen line instead of groundstrokes. He demonstrates how proper stance, grip, and paddle position improve confidence and game control. His key message: “Get comfortable with the kitchen line.” This strategy helps beginners progress faster in real match play.
ALSO READ: Unbreakable Defense: How Pro Pickleball Players Are Mastering ATP Shots in 2025