The kitchen begins 7 feet from the net on each side of the court.
If you play or watch the game, you’ve likely heard questions about how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball. I coach new and seasoned players, and this one comes up a lot. Below, I break down the exact distance, why it matters, how to measure it, and how to use it to win more points. You’ll leave knowing how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball, plus the tactics that make that line your best friend.
The kitchen explained: size, lines, and what counts
The kitchen is the non-volley zone, also called the NVZ. It starts 7 feet from the net on each side. The kitchen line itself is part of the kitchen. If you volley and your foot touches that line, it’s a fault.
Official courts measure 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net splits the court in half, so it is 22 feet from the net to each baseline. The kitchen covers the first 7 feet from the net. That leaves 15 feet from the kitchen line to the baseline. Net height is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center, which affects how you clear dinks.
So, how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball? It is always 7 feet. These specs come from the standard rulebook used by major groups. If a friend asks how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball, you can answer with full confidence: 7 feet, both sides, line included.
Why the 7-foot rule matters for your game
The 7-foot space cuts down easy smashes at the net. You cannot volley while standing in the kitchen. That rule keeps rallies fair and fun. It also encourages soft shots, angles, and smart feet.
I tell students to treat the kitchen line like a cliff edge. Lean in and dink. Step back to defend lobs. Use resets to land in the kitchen and remove pace. If you know how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball, you can judge if you have room to volley or if you must let it bounce.
Key payoffs:
- Fewer pop-ups because you learn to let borderline balls bounce.
- Safer knees and ankles since you do not lunge into the kitchen to volley.
- Better teamwork because both players set up at the same sharp line.
How to measure the kitchen on any court
On well-marked courts, trust the painted lines. At temporary sites, measure it yourself. I have set up many makeshift courts in gyms and parking lots. A clear, accurate kitchen changes the entire play feel.
Use this simple process:
- Lay your net or strap across the center at 34 inches in the middle.
- From the net, measure 7 feet straight back on each side and mark the kitchen lines.
- Use painter’s tape or chalk to draw the lines across the full 20-foot width.
- Confirm the distance from the kitchen line to the baseline is 15 feet.
- Step-test the space. Most adult strides are about 2.5 to 3 feet, so it is two to three steps.
If someone asks how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball while you set up, tell them seven feet and invite them to help measure. Teaching by doing locks it in.
Foot faults and common mistakes near the kitchen
Most faults at the line come from rushing or poor balance. I have made them all, and I have seen them in tournaments.
Watch for these:
- Touching the line or kitchen with your foot or paddle during a volley.
- Leaning so far that your momentum carries you into the kitchen after contact.
- Forgetting that the kitchen includes the air space above it; you cannot stand in it and reach to volley.
- Assuming your tip-toes are okay on the line. The line is part of the kitchen.
Practical fixes:
- Plant behind the line before you swing at a volley.
- If you are stretched, let the ball bounce. Reset, then dink.
- Count out loud, “behind, hit, recover,” to build a safe rhythm.
When you know how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball, you judge space better and avoid those small, costly slips.
Smart tactics at the kitchen line
The kitchen line is the front porch of pickleball. Live there. Win there. But do it with care.
Try these simple tactics:
- Dink cross-court. You get more net to clear and a safer angle.
- Aim at the opponent’s feet. Low balls force pop-ups.
- Mix pace. Soft-soft-soft, then a quick flick at the shoulder.
- Reset under pressure by dropping the ball into the kitchen.
I remind players to ask themselves mid-rally: how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball? That cue resets your spacing and keeps you from drifting.
Drills to master distance and balance
Good feet make the most of that 7-foot zone. These drills build control fast. I use them in clinics with strong results.
Try these:
- Shadow steps: From midcourt, shuffle to the kitchen line, stop behind it, and hold for one second. Repeat 20 times.
- Line taps: Tap your paddle on the court one inch behind the line, not on it. Learn the feel of safe space.
- Dink ladder: Dink five into the kitchen cross-court, step off, switch sides, and repeat. Aim for 50 total.
- Bounce call: Have a partner feed borderline balls. Say “bounce” or “volley” early. This trains fast judgment of the 7 feet.
While you drill, repeat the phrase how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball. It helps your brain tie footwork to space.
Court dimensions at a glance
A quick view helps you see how the kitchen fits in the full court.
Core facts:
- Court size: 20 feet by 44 feet.
- Net height: 36 inches at posts, 34 inches middle.
- Baseline to net: 22 feet.
- Kitchen depth: 7 feet from the net, both sides.
- Service area depth: 15 feet from the kitchen line to the baseline.
If a new player asks how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball, give the seven-foot fact, then show how it sits inside the 22 feet. Seeing the whole picture makes the rule stick.
Real-world lessons from coaching and play
When I run ladder nights, the strongest jump for new players comes when they learn kitchen spacing. We mark a thin rope at 7 feet and run fast games. Players feel the zone, not just see it. Their pop-ups drop. Their patience rises.
In tournaments, I have won key points by choosing a bounce at the last second near the line. It is hard to swing soft when you feel rushed. Knowing how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball lets you trust that bounce and reset. That one clear choice can flip a match.
Frequently Asked Questions of how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball
Is the kitchen line part of the kitchen?
Yes. The line is part of the non-volley zone. If you touch it while volleying, it is a fault.
Can I step in the kitchen after I hit a volley?
No. If your momentum carries you into the kitchen after a volley, it is still a fault. Wait until after the ball is dead to step in.
How wide is the kitchen?
It spans the full court width, 20 feet. The depth is 7 feet from the net on each side.
Can I hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen?
No. You cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its line. You may hit after a bounce.
How do I remember how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball?
Think “seven steps of a ruler,” or say “seven feet, both sides.” Repeat it in warm-ups and drills.
Conclusion
You now know how far is the kitchen from the net in pickleball and why that 7-foot space shapes every rally. The kitchen line guides safer play, cleaner dinks, and smarter attacks. Measure it right, honor the rule, and build drills that train your feet to stop just behind it.
Take this to your next game: set up two quick line drills and aim for 50 clean dinks. If this helped, share it with a partner, subscribe for more tips, or drop a comment with your biggest kitchen win.