If you’ve played pickleball, you’ve likely heard about the kitchen—one of the most unique and important rules in the game. The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), commonly called the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net where players are restricted from volleying the ball.
While it might seem simple, many players—especially beginners—struggle with kitchen faults, often costing them points or even games. Understanding the kitchen rule and learning how to use it to your advantage can elevate your game (but we won’t use that word here 😉).
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ What the kitchen is and why it exists
✅ The rules for playing around the kitchen
✅ Common kitchen violations and how to avoid them
✅ Pro tips to use the non-volley zone to your advantage
Let’s dive in!
1. What is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) is a 7-foot section on both sides of the net that extends across the width of the court.
This area is designed to prevent players from standing too close to the net and smashing every ball, which would make the game less about skill and more about brute force.
Why is it Called the Kitchen?
The exact origin of the name “kitchen” is unknown, but many believe it was borrowed from shuffleboard, where the penalty zone is also called the kitchen.
In pickleball, stepping into the kitchen at the wrong time can “burn” you with a fault, just like in shuffleboard!
📌 Quick Fact: Some players jokingly say, “Stay out of the kitchen unless you’re making a sandwich!”
2. The Basic Kitchen Rules
To avoid making faults, you need to know how the kitchen works.
✅ Rule 1: No Volleying in the Kitchen
The most important rule: You cannot hit a volley while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.
✔️ A volley is when you hit the ball before it bounces.
✔️ If you want to volley, your feet must be behind the kitchen line.
✅ Rule 2: Momentum Counts!
Even if you volley from outside the kitchen, it’s still a fault if your momentum carries you into the kitchen afterward.
❌ Example of a Fault:
- You smash a volley while standing just outside the kitchen.
- After hitting, you stumble forward into the kitchen.
- Even though the ball was already dead, stepping into the kitchen makes it a fault!
✔️ Solution:
- Stay balanced and controlled when volleying near the kitchen.
- Take a small step back after a volley to ensure you don’t step in accidentally.
✅ Rule 3: You CAN Be in the Kitchen—But Only at the Right Time
Many beginners think the kitchen is off-limits altogether, but that’s not true.
✔️ You CAN stand in the kitchen, but you CANNOT volley from there.
✔️ You CAN hit the ball in the kitchen after it bounces.
✔️ You CAN step in to return a dink, as long as it has bounced first.
📌 Tip: The best pickleball players know when to step into the kitchen for dinks and resets while avoiding volley faults.
3. Common Kitchen Faults & How to Avoid Them
Even experienced players make kitchen violations if they aren’t careful. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
❌ Kitchen Fault #1: Volleying with a Toe on the Line
One of the easiest ways to get called for a kitchen fault is stepping just barely onto the kitchen line while volleying.
✔️ Fix It:
- Always check your feet before hitting a volley.
- Practice staying balanced just behind the kitchen line.
- Use a split step to keep your weight centered and avoid stepping forward too much.
❌ Kitchen Fault #2: Momentum Carrying You Forward
Many players smash a volley, then their momentum carries them into the kitchen—even though they hit the ball outside the NVZ.
✔️ Fix It:
- Focus on staying balanced after every shot.
- If you step forward, take a quick step back to avoid touching the kitchen.
- Keep your knees bent so you can control your movement.
❌ Kitchen Fault #3: Hovering Too Close to the Line
Some players like to stand right next to the kitchen line, waiting for the ball. This is risky because even the slightest step forward results in a fault.
✔️ Fix It:
- Position yourself about 6 inches behind the kitchen line instead of right on it.
- If you need to move forward, take controlled steps instead of lunging.
- Be aware of your foot placement at all times.
4. How to Use the Kitchen to Your Advantage
Instead of fearing the kitchen, use it strategically to win more points!
🎯 Tip #1: Master the Dink Game
✔️ Dinks are soft shots that land in your opponent’s kitchen, forcing them into difficult positions.
✔️ If you’re good at dinking, you can control the rally and make your opponent make mistakes.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t just dink back and forth—change up the speed and placement to keep your opponent guessing.
🎯 Tip #2: Force Your Opponent into Kitchen Faults
You’re not the only one who makes kitchen mistakes! Make your opponent step into the kitchen by using smart tactics.
✔️ Hit low shots that force them to bend and lunge.
✔️ Target their backhand (most players are weaker there).
✔️ Throw in a lob to keep them off-balance.
📌 Pro Tip: If your opponent keeps making kitchen faults, keep the ball low to tempt them into volleying illegally!
🎯 Tip #3: Be Smart About Kitchen Positioning
✔️ The best players know how to move in and out of the kitchen effectively.
✔️ Step in for dinks, but step back for volleys—mastering this rhythm will make you a better player.
✔️ Use soft hands to control shots and keep the ball in play.
5. Stay Comfortable While Playing Pickleball
Pickleball can get intense, especially when you’re moving in and out of the kitchen all game. The right pickleball gear can keep you cool, dry, and focused.
👕 Moisture-Wicking Pickleball T-Shirts – Whether you’re dinking at the net or smashing volleys, a 50/50 DryBlend t-shirt keeps you cool, while the 100% Polyester Mesh t-shirt offers premium sweat control.
🥤 Pickleball Tumblers – Stay hydrated with a pickleball-themed tumbler, perfect for keeping drinks cold during long games.
Shop now at Big Green Pickle and get ready to dominate the kitchen!
Final Thoughts
The kitchen rule might seem tricky at first, but once you understand it, you’ll see why it makes pickleball more exciting and strategic.
🏓 Stay behind the kitchen line when volleying
🏓 Step in when needed for dinks—but only after the ball bounces
🏓 Control your movement to avoid momentum faults
🏓 Use the kitchen to set up smart shots and force opponent errors
Mastering the non-volley zone can take your game to the next level! So next time you step on the court, stay out of the kitchen unless you mean to be there!
