The kitchen is 7 feet deep from the net and 20 feet wide.
If you play or watch pickleball, this line can make or break points. In this guide, I explain how long is the kitchen in pickleball, why it matters, and how to use it. I coach new players often, and I know the questions that come up. You will get clear rules, simple visuals, and on-court tips you can use today.
What the kitchen is and why it exists
The kitchen is the non-volley zone. It runs along the net on both sides. You cannot volley while touching it. That includes the line.
Most players ask how long is the kitchen in pickleball early on. The answer to how long is the kitchen in pickleball starts with its purpose. It stops easy smashes from right on top of the net. That keeps rallies fair and fun.
Think of it as a no-fly zone. You can step in to play a ball that has bounced. You must get out before your next volley. Simple rule, big impact.
Exact dimensions: how long is the kitchen in pickleball?
So, how long is the kitchen in pickleball? The kitchen is 7 feet deep from the net. It spans the full court width of 20 feet.
When people ask how long is the kitchen in pickleball, they often mean size. Here are the key facts:
- Depth from the net: 7 feet on each side
- Width of the court and kitchen: 20 feet
- Area of the kitchen on one side: 140 square feet
- The non-volley line counts as part of the kitchen
- Standard line width is about 2 inches
From the net to the baseline is 22 feet. Since the kitchen is 7 feet, you have 15 feet of space behind it. That is your service and rally space.
How to measure and mark the kitchen
Courts at clubs should match standards. Still, it helps to check. I carry a tape measure in my coaching bag. It takes two minutes and saves arguments later.
Use these steps:
- Measure 7 feet from the net toward the baseline on both sidelines.
- Snap a chalk line or place tape across the court at those marks.
- Confirm the width is 20 feet using the sidelines.
- Mark the line with at least 2-inch width for visibility.
If you set up a temporary court, re-check before games. How long is the kitchen in pickleball should never be a guess. Clear lines prevent foot faults and disputes.
Kitchen rules you must know
The rules are easy once you see why they exist. Here are the big ones I teach first.
- You cannot volley while touching the kitchen or the line.
- Momentum counts. If you volley and your follow-through makes you step into the kitchen, it is a fault.
- You can enter the kitchen to hit a ball that has bounced.
- After a bounce shot in the kitchen, you must exit before your next volley.
- The two-bounce rule still applies on every point.
I learned this the hard way in league play. I hit a crisp volley from the line. My toe slid onto the kitchen after contact. Fault. It stung, but I never forgot it.
These same rules apply at all levels. If you ever debate how long is the kitchen in pickleball or how it works, pull out a rule card and point to the line.
Strategy at the kitchen line
Winning teams control the line. They do not rush in wild. They take space, then hold it. The kitchen is where soft hands beat power.
Try these tips:
- Dink cross-court to the opponent’s backhand.
- Keep the ball low so they must hit up.
- Move together with your partner as a wall.
- Keep your toes just behind the line for safe volleys.
- Reset hard shots with soft, high-arc dinks.
I tell students this: own the line, own the point. If a player asks how long is the kitchen in pickleball, I also show them where to stand. It makes the concept click.
Common mistakes and myths about how long is the kitchen in pickleball
Let’s clear up the big myths I hear all the time.
- Myth: You can touch the kitchen after a volley if the ball is dead. Reality: If momentum from the volley carries you in, it is still a fault.
- Myth: The line is safe. Reality: The line is part of the kitchen. Touching it on a volley is a fault.
- Myth: Only your feet count. Reality: Any body part, paddle, or gear that touches the kitchen after a volley is a fault.
- Myth: Recreational games can ignore the 7-foot mark. Reality: Standards help everyone play fair and improve.
When players are clear on how long is the kitchen in pickleball, their footwork gets better. They stop gifting points.
Court variations and standards
You will see indoor gyms, outdoor parks, and taped courts. Surfaces and lines vary, but the standard kitchen does not. It is always 7 feet deep and 20 feet wide.
Portable nets can sag. Tape lines can drift. Always check before a match. Tournament crews use level tools and measured tapes. That is the gold standard. It is how officials avoid disputes about how long is the kitchen in pickleball and other lines.
Frequently Asked Questions of how long is the kitchen in pickleball
How long is the kitchen in pickleball in feet and meters?
It is 7 feet deep from the net, which is about 2.13 meters. The width is 20 feet, or about 6.10 meters.
Is the kitchen line itself part of the kitchen?
Yes. The non-volley line is part of the kitchen. If you touch it while volleying, it is a fault.
Can I step into the kitchen after a volley if I stop my momentum?
No. If your momentum from the volley causes you to step in, it is a fault. You must establish control before entering.
How far is it from the non-volley line to the baseline?
It is 15 feet. The total distance from the net to the baseline is 22 feet, with 7 feet for the kitchen.
Does the two-bounce rule change anything about the kitchen?
No. The two-bounce rule is separate. You still cannot volley from the kitchen or its line at any time.
Does wind or indoor play change kitchen size?
No. Conditions do not change the standard. The kitchen is always 7 feet deep and 20 feet wide.
Conclusion
You now know the exact size, rules, and best practices for the kitchen. The kitchen is 7 feet deep and 20 feet wide, and the line counts. Use that knowledge to move smart, avoid faults, and own the line.
Take these tips to your next game. Mark the court, test your footwork, and drill your dinks. Want more guides like this? Subscribe, share this with a partner, or drop your questions in the comments.