Pickleball Kitchen Rules Explained: Pickleball players must understand the kitchen—or non-volley zone—because it’s one of the most important areas on the court. This 7-foot zone on both sides of the net is designed to prevent smashes too close to the net and to encourage longer, more strategic rallies.
What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The kitchen, officially called the non-volley zone (NVZ), stretches 7 feet from the net on each side. Players are not allowed to hit volleys—balls taken in the air—while standing in this area. They also can’t let their body or paddle touch the kitchen during or after a volley, or it’s considered a fault.
The main goal of the kitchen rule is to stop players from crowding the net and smashing every return. It helps make matches more balanced and exciting.
When You Can Enter the Kitchen
Players can step into the kitchen at any time, but only to hit balls that have bounced. After returning a bounced ball from the NVZ, they are encouraged to quickly move back so they’re ready for the next play. The kitchen rule doesn’t stop you from entering—only from volleying while inside.
How Momentum Affects Play
If a player hits a volley while outside the kitchen but their momentum carries them into it, it’s still a fault. This rule makes players more cautious and has led to the creation of clever moves like the dink and the Erne shot.
Smart Shots: Dinking and the Erne
Dinking is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen. It’s used to bring players close to the net and open up the court for stronger shots. Dinks require skill and control and are important for keeping rallies going.
The Erne shot is an aggressive move where a player leaps into the air from near the sideline to hit a volley. The player must land outside the kitchen and avoid touching the net. It’s a tricky shot but legal if done correctly.
Where Did the Word “Kitchen” Come From?
No one knows exactly where the term came from, but many believe it was borrowed from shuffleboard. In that game, the “kitchen” is a zone with special rules, just like in pickleball. Understanding the kitchen helps players avoid faults and sharpen their strategy on the court.
News in Brief: Pickleball Kitchen Rules Explained
Pickleball’s kitchen, or non-volley zone, is key to fair play. Players must not volley in this 7-foot area near the net. Understanding rules about movement, dinking, and the Erne shot helps all levels of players improve their game and enjoy smarter, more strategic matches.
ALSO READ: Professional Coach Reveals Baseball Secret That Transforms the Pickleball Kitchen Game