The kitchen is 7 feet deep and 20 feet wide per side.
If you have asked how big is the kitchen in pickleball, you are not alone. I coach new players every week, and the same question pops up. In this guide, I will break down how big is the kitchen in pickleball, why it matters, and how to use it to your advantage. You will get clear rules, smart tips, drills, and simple ways to measure your court at home.
Kitchen Dimensions at a Glance
If you want the short, accurate answer to how big is the kitchen in pickleball, here it is. The kitchen, also called the non-volley zone, is 7 feet deep on each side of the net and runs the full court width of 20 feet. The non-volley line is part of the kitchen, so if your toe touches that line, you are in the kitchen.
Let’s add a few helpful numbers. The area of the kitchen on one side is 7 by 20 feet, which equals 140 square feet. On both sides together, the total non-volley zone is 280 square feet. In metric terms, the kitchen is about 2.13 meters deep and 6.10 meters wide per side.
Key points to remember when asking how big is the kitchen in pickleball:
- Depth per side is 7 feet from the net.
- Full width is 20 feet, matching the court width.
- The line counts as part of the kitchen.
Why the Kitchen Size Matters
The size controls where you can volley and where you must let the ball bounce. When people ask how big is the kitchen in pickleball, what they really want to know is how that space changes their shot choices. Because the kitchen is 7 feet deep, you cannot stand too close and smash volleys at the net.
This space also creates the famous dink game. Players use soft shots that land in the kitchen to set up attacks. The 7-foot buffer rewards patience, touch, and smart footwork, not just power. So how big is the kitchen in pickleball affects the pace and style of almost every rally.
Lines, Foot Faults, and Legal Plays in the Kitchen
The rules are simple once you see them on the court. Ask any ref how big is the kitchen in pickleball, and they will also remind you that the line is part of it. If your shoe even grazes the line during a volley, it is a fault.
Here is what is allowed and what is not:
- Volleys are not allowed when you are in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line.
- You may step into the kitchen to play a ball that bounces there.
- Momentum faults still count. If you volley outside the kitchen, but your movement carries you into the kitchen after the hit, it is a fault.
- You can stand in the kitchen after a bounce and hit any shot, including a hard drive.
I learned this the hard way. In my first tournament, I won a great exchange, only to have the point taken because my heel touched the line on a volley. That tiny line matters. And it matters because how big is the kitchen in pickleball is tied to how firm those foot rules are.
Strategy and Drills Around the Kitchen
If you want to win more points, build clean habits at the non-volley line. Much of that starts with knowing how big is the kitchen in pickleball and using that space with intent. Stay balanced, keep your paddle up, and learn to reset the ball into the kitchen under pressure.
Try these simple drills:
- Dink ladder: Aim for four targets along the kitchen, moving from middle to sideline. Focus on height and depth.
- No-volley box game: Play points where all balls must bounce in the kitchen before you can attack.
- Toe check: Practice split steps with your toes 1 inch behind the line to avoid foot faults.
Good players win the kitchen line first, then pick higher balls to attack. The more you respect how big is the kitchen in pickleball, the faster your control and patience will grow.
Setup and Measuring a Regulation Kitchen
Building a backyard court or marking a gym line? Start with this checklist. It keeps questions about how big is the kitchen in pickleball very simple and exact.
Follow these steps:
- Measure from the net toward the baseline 7 feet on each side.
- Snap a chalk line or apply painter’s tape across the full 20-foot width.
- Confirm the line is straight and square with the sidelines.
- Check that the kitchen includes the line itself, as the rules state.
A few tips from my setup jobs. Use a long tape and a helper for better accuracy. Recheck both endpoints, since a small angle error will skew the line. And if you wonder again how big is the kitchen in pickleball while measuring, keep repeating 7 feet deep by 20 feet wide. It sticks.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even strong players make kitchen errors. Most issues come from rushed feet or bad spacing. When you understand how big is the kitchen in pickleball, you can plan footwork that keeps you legal and steady.
Watch for these common mistakes:
- Stepping on the line during a volley. Fix it by planting one shoe behind the line at all times during exchanges.
- Floating dinks that land high and short. Fix it by aiming past the net strap and using a softer grip.
- Attacking from the kitchen on a bounce, but with poor balance. Fix it by setting your feet first, then swinging through your target.
- Forgetting the momentum rule after a volley. Fix it by holding your finish and stopping your forward drift.
One more habit helps. Before each rally, I whisper to myself, space and base. That reminder keeps me aware of how big is the kitchen in pickleball and where my feet should land.
Frequently Asked Questions of how big is the kitchen in pickleball
How deep is the kitchen from the net?
The kitchen is 7 feet deep from the net on each side. The line at 7 feet is part of the kitchen.
How wide is the kitchen?
It is 20 feet wide, the same as the court width. That width applies to both sides of the net.
Can I step in the kitchen after the ball bounces?
Yes, you can step in and hit any shot after a bounce. You just cannot volley while in the kitchen or on the line.
Does the kitchen line count as the kitchen?
Yes, the line is part of the kitchen. If you touch the line during a volley, it is a fault.
Why does the kitchen exist in pickleball?
It prevents constant net smashes and keeps rallies fair. It also encourages touch, control, and longer points.
What is the area of the kitchen on one side?
It is 7 feet by 20 feet, which is 140 square feet. Both sides together total 280 square feet.
How big is the kitchen in pickleball in meters?
It is about 2.13 meters deep and 6.10 meters wide per side. That equals about 13 square meters on one side.
Conclusion
You now know how big is the kitchen in pickleball and why it shapes the game. The kitchen is 7 feet by 20 feet per side, the line counts, and smart footwork wins. Use that space to set up dinks, force errors, and create attack chances.
Take this to the court today. Mark your line, drill soft shots, and build trust in your feet. If this helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more tips, or drop a comment with your own kitchen wins and questions.