Pickleball Kitchen Rule
If you’re new to pickleball, you’ve probably heard people talk about “the kitchen”—and no, we’re not talking about where you keep your snacks. The kitchen is one of the most misunderstood parts of the game, especially when it comes to the no-volley rule. Let’s clear it up once and for all!
Pickleball Kitchen: Official Rules | Misunderstandings | Pickleball Kitchen Style |
What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The “kitchen” is the nickname for the non-volley zone (NVZ), the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. It’s there to prevent players from camping right at the net and smashing every ball out of the air.
Official Rules from USA Pickleball—Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)
Here’s the exact language from the USA Pickleball Play Pickleball Rulebook (2025 Official Rulebook, Section 9 – Non-Volley-Zone Rules) regarding the kitchen (non-volley zone):
- 9.A All volleys must be initiated outside of the non-volley zone.
- 9.B It is a fault if the volleying player—or anything in contact with that player while in the act of volleying—touches the non-volley zone.
- 9.C During the act of volleying, it’s a fault if the player’s momentum causes them to contact anything touching the non-volley zone—even if the ball is already dead.
- 9.D If a player touches the non-volley zone for any reason, they cannot volley until both feet are completely back outside the non-volley zone.
- 9.E A player may enter the non-volley zone at any time, except when they are volleying the ball.
- 9.F A player may enter the non-volley zone before or after returning any ball that bounces.
- 9.G A player may stay inside the non-volley zone to return a ball that has bounced—no violation if they don’t exit afterward.
- 9.H There is no violation if a player returns the ball while their partner is standing in the non-volley zone (with no contact during the act of volleying).
Misunderstandings About the Kitchen
Here’s some of the wrong things I’ve heard players tell newer players about the kitchen:
- You can NEVER step into the kitchen.
- You can’t step into the kitchen unless the ball bounces.
- You can’t hit the ball in the air if your partner is in the kitchen.
- Even if you hit the ball in the air mid court and then run up and step into the kitchen, it’s a fault.
You could technically stand in the kitchen all day just as long as you only hit balls after they bounce. Of course, that’s not the smartest strategy. The other team will just target you and you won’t be able to return any smashes to defend yourself. But, it’s legal to stay in the kitchen, as long as you’re not whacking pickleballs out of the air while you’re standing in the non-volley zone.
Many beginners mistakenly think you can’t even step into the kitchen until after the ball bounces. That’s simply not true. You’re welcome to go in and out of the kitchen whenever you need—as long as you respect the no-volley rule.
Why Does the Kitchen Matter?
The kitchen rule keeps the game balanced. Without it, tall or aggressive players could dominate the net with endless smashes. The NVZ encourages strategy, finesse, and the essential pickleball skill: the dink game.
Create Your Own Pickleball Kitchen
Speaking of kitchens, we’ve got something fun for you off the court too!
Our Pickleball Kitchen Collection on Zazzle brings the game you love right into your home. From colorful aprons to oven mitts featuring witty pickleball sayings, bold patterns, and the option to personalize, it’s the perfect way to show off your love for the sport. Whether you’re whipping up a post-game snack or hosting a pickleball rec league holiday party, these designs let your pickleball personality shine.
Final Dink
Remember:
- You can step into the kitchen and stand there all day if you want to.
- You can’t hit the ball in the air while in the kitchen.
Mastering this simple rule will improve your game and stop the confusion many new players face. And while you’re at it, why not bring a little pickleball flair to your actual kitchen too?