The kitchen in pickleball is the 7-foot non-volley zone by the net.
If you’ve ever asked what is the kitchen in pickleball, you’re in the right place. I coach new and seasoned players, and I’ve seen the kitchen make or break games. In this guide, I’ll break down rules, strategy, drills, and common mistakes so you can master the non-volley zone with confidence.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone at the front of the court. It runs 7 feet from the net on both sides. You cannot hit a volley while touching it or the line.
When players ask what is the kitchen in pickleball, I say it’s where points are won. Most rallies end at the kitchen line. Good footwork and smart shot choices matter most here.
In plain terms, what is the kitchen in pickleball? It is a safety and skill zone. It stops smash-heavy play and forces touch, control, and strategy. That is why dinking is the core tactic near the kitchen.
Dimensions and layout of the non-volley zone
Here is how the space looks on a standard court:
- The kitchen extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- The line marking that space is part of the kitchen.
- The court is 20 feet wide, so the kitchen spans the full width.
You will often hear players say “play at the line.” That means stand just behind the kitchen line and be ready. If you still wonder what is the kitchen in pickleball, picture a no-volley buffer by the net that keeps play fair and fun.
Official kitchen rules and common faults
These core rules are from the official rulebook. Keep them in mind during every point.
- You may not volley while touching the kitchen or the line.
- You can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced.
- After you enter, both feet must be back out before you volley again.
- If momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it is a fault.
- Anything on you counts. If your hat, paddle, or towel touches the kitchen during a volley, it is a fault.
Common faults I see often:
- Leaning to volley and letting a toe skim the line.
- Volleys where the paddle taps the court inside the zone.
- Jumping to volley and landing in the kitchen.
If you still ask what is the kitchen in pickleball, think of it as the “no-volley while touching” zone. Respect that, and you will avoid most calls.
Smart strategy at the kitchen
Winning at the kitchen is about control, not power. Use these ideas in your next match.
- Aim low with soft dinks. Keep the ball below your rival’s net height.
- Hit to the feet or backhand. Make them hit up.
- Use the middle. Balls down the middle cause confusion.
- Hold your ground. Keep your toes just behind the line.
- Reset under pressure. If a ball is hot, play a soft reset into the kitchen.
Personal tip: I teach a “quiet hands” drill. Keep your paddle steady like a table. Let the ball meet the paddle. This helps you feel touch at the line.
Many new players search what is the kitchen in pickleball because they struggle here. The fix is simple. Slow the ball, aim smart, and win by patience.
Drills to master the kitchen fast
Short practice blocks can change your game. Try these:
- Triangle dinks: Aim to forehand corner, backhand corner, then middle. Repeat.
- Toe-the-line control: Place your toes behind the line and dink 50 balls without crossing.
- Reset rally: Partner feeds hard. You drop soft into the kitchen. Switch roles.
- Volley freeze: Volley only when feet are clearly back. Say “back” before each volley.
- Shadow steps: No ball. Split step, shuffle, and lunge while keeping toes back.
When you practice, say out loud what is the kitchen in pickleball to cue your brain. It helps you remember the rules as you move.
Gear, safety, and etiquette around the kitchen
Good gear and manners make play better for everyone.
- Wear shoes with grip. You brake fast at the line.
- Use an overgrip if your hands sweat. A firm hold helps soft touch.
- Keep the area clear. No bags near the sideline. Tripping is real.
- Call your own kitchen faults. It builds trust.
- Don’t crowd. Give space when people are at the line.
I have seen players slip when they step into chalk dust. Wipe your soles on the baseline before big points. It is a small habit with a big payoff.
If a friend asks what is the kitchen in pickleball, show them the line and explain these etiquette tips. It sticks better than a rule sheet.
Myths you should forget about the kitchen
Let’s clear some common myths:
- Myth: You can never go in the kitchen. Truth: You can enter anytime to play a bounce.
- Myth: One foot out is enough to volley. Truth: Any contact with the kitchen is a fault.
- Myth: The paddle can touch even if feet are out. Truth: Anything on you counts as contact.
- Myth: The kitchen rules apply on the serve only. Truth: They apply on all shots with volleys.
These myths fuel the search for what is the kitchen in pickleball. Share the truth and enjoy cleaner games.
Frequently Asked Questions of what is the kitchen in pickleball
What is the kitchen in pickleball for beginners?
It is the non-volley zone near the net. You cannot volley while touching it, but you can enter to hit a ball after it bounces.
Can I step in the kitchen after I volley?
No. If momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it is a fault. Stop your body before you cross the line.
Does the kitchen line count as part of the kitchen?
Yes. The line is part of the non-volley zone. If you touch the line during a volley, it is a fault.
Can my paddle touch the kitchen during a volley if my feet are out?
No. Anything on you, including the paddle or clothing, cannot touch the kitchen during a volley.
Why do players ask what is the kitchen in pickleball so often?
The rules feel simple but are easy to break during fast play. Most faults happen from small toe or paddle touches.
Can I jump from outside, volley in the air, and land in the kitchen?
No. Airborne volleys that land in the kitchen are faults. You must land outside the non-volley zone.
Is it okay to stand in the kitchen between points?
Yes. After the rally ends, you can stand there. Before the next point, step back if you plan to volley early.
Conclusion
The kitchen is simple once you feel it. It is a 7-foot non-volley zone that rewards soft hands, smart aim, and calm feet. If you remember what is the kitchen in pickleball each time you step to the line, your mistakes drop and your wins rise.
Start small today. Practice 10 minutes of dinks, 10 minutes of resets, and 10 minutes of controlled volleys. Want more tips like these? Subscribe, share your kitchen struggles in the comments, and keep learning with us.