Understanding the Pickleball Kitchen: What It Is and Why It Matters

Are you new to pickleball? Welcome, new pickler!

We know why you're here. You're curious about what a pickleball kitchen is, right? You're probably wondering “am I still in the sport?”. First, you're called a pickler and now there's also a kitchen in pickleball? Do you also have to bring cucumbers and preserve them in vinegar?

via GIPHY

Lol, no. There's no cooking involved in pickleball. There's also no pantry involved, in case you've heard or read of that. Just a kitchen in pickleball. And no, you don't put your snacks there for later. So, without further ado, let's talk about the pickleball kitchen and why it's important. 

What is a Kitchen in Pickleball? 

The kitchen in a pickleball court, also called the Non-Volley Zone or NVZ, is the 7 feet space on each side of the net. In this area, you can't volley the ball when standing on it, hence the name Non-Volley Zone. Check the image below. The area marked by red is the kitchen or Non-Volley Zone.

Why is a Pickleball Kitchen Important? 

Making the Game Fair 

Let's face it, if volleying inside the Non-Volley Zone is allowed, it would be almost impossible for beginners to win against a more advanced player.

This also prevents players who make powerful volleys and smashes from dominating the court. I mean, if this was allowed, then the game would be over immediately, right? 

Encouraging Different Shots

Since you can't volley inside the NVZ, it will be harder to hit the ball and make it go over the net after it bounces. This helps you to strategize, try different shots, and improve your skills. 

Pickleball Kitchen Rules

No Volley

As mentioned, you can't volley inside the NVZ. Volleying is when you hit the ball before it bounces on the ground. You can only volley outside the NVZ.

No Touching of the Kitchen in Pickleball When Volleying 

You, your partner, or anything you're wearing or carrying can't touch the NVZ when volleying. If ever you did a volley outside the NVZ but then because of how fast or forcefully you moved, you accidentally stepped inside, that's also a fault. Sorry 🥺. So you know, be careful when volleying near the NVZ.

What Are You NOT Allowed To Do in the Pickleball Kitchen? 

Volley

As mentioned above, volleying is only allowed outside the kitchen.

Want the best control pickleball paddle for mastering your volleys outside the pickleball kitchen? Try 101 Pickleball Zen Control now! 

Serve and Return of Serve

I mean, yes, that's given. You always have to make a pickleball serve behind the baseline. What this means is that a serve can't land on your opponent’s NVZ. That's just not fair for both of you. This goes for the return of serve too. It can’t land on the NVZ either.

Overhead Smash 

Smashing in pickleball is when you aggressively hit the ball overhead while it's at its highest point. This means that the ball wouldn't have a chance to bounce and it's like a volley. This isn't volleyball so save the smashing when you're not outside the Non-Volley Zone. 

What Are You Allowed To Do in the Pickleball Kitchen? 

Basically, any shot besides the not allowed.

Dink

Dink in pickleball is a soft shot that goes over the net. You hit the ball after it bounces for trajectory. This is usually done to neutralize your opponent. 

Lob

A pickleball lob is a high, arcing shot used both in defensive and offensive play in pickleball. Just like a dink, you let the ball bounce first before hitting it for the trajectory. 

Poaching

Poaching can be any shot. This is a strategy where you hit a shot that's meant for your partner. Basically, you're “stealing” the shot. Of course, if you're inside the kitchen, you can't volley or smash.  

Watch the video below for an overview of the kitchen and understand its DOs and DON'Ts more.

The pickleball kitchen is an important area in the court that you have to always be aware of. You can't do a volley while inside it, hence its name Non-Volley Zone. If you step on it while volleying, it results in a fault. Don't worry, the NVZ is hard to miss, there's always a line separating it from the rest of the court.

Understanding the Pickleball Kitchen: Your Essential FAQs

1. What exactly is the pickleball kitchen? The pickleball kitchen, also known as the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), is a critical area on the court measuring 7 feet from the net on both sides. This zone is where players are prohibited from volleying the ball—hitting it before it bounces. The NVZ is marked by a distinct line, and stepping into this zone while attempting a volley results in a fault. Understanding this area is essential for developing your skills and strategy in the game.

2. Why is the kitchen area important in pickleball? The kitchen plays a vital role in ensuring fair play and promoting strategic gameplay. By prohibiting volleys within this zone, it levels the playing field between beginners and advanced players, preventing more experienced players from dominating the game with powerful volleys. Additionally, it encourages players to think critically about their shot selection and develop a range of techniques, such as dinks and lobs, which can enhance their overall gameplay.

3. What are the specific rules regarding the pickleball kitchen? Several key rules govern the NVZ:

   • No Volleys: Players cannot hit the ball before it bounces while standing in the kitchen.
   • No Touching: If a player is volleying, they, their partner, or any part of their clothing cannot touch the NVZ line or area.
   • Serving Rules: Serves must land behind the NVZ line, and the same applies to return serves.
   • Smashing: Overhead smashes are also prohibited in the NVZ since they mimic volleys. Understanding and adhering to these rules is crucial to avoid faults during play.

4. What shots are allowed in the pickleball kitchen? Within the NVZ, players can execute specific shots after the ball bounces. These include:

   • Dinks: A soft shot that lands just over the net, designed to keep the ball low and force your opponent to make a difficult return.
   • Lobs: A high, arcing shot intended to push the opponent back or create space.
   • Poaching: This tactic involves hitting a ball meant for your partner, as long as you're outside the NVZ. Mastering these shots can improve your effectiveness on the court.

5. How can I improve my gameplay within the kitchen? To excel in the NVZ, focus on developing your soft shots, particularly dinks and lobs. Practicing these shots will help you gain control and finesse in your game. Additionally, improve your footwork and court awareness to avoid stepping into the kitchen while volleying. Participating in drills or watching instructional videos can also enhance your understanding and execution of kitchen strategies.

6. What common mistakes should I avoid in the pickleball kitchen? Many players, especially beginners, often make mistakes such as:

   • Accidentally stepping into the kitchen while volleying: Be conscious of your foot placement and maintain awareness of the NVZ boundaries.
   • Improper serves or returns landing in the kitchen: Always ensure your serves clear the NVZ line to avoid faults.
   • Ignoring shot selection: Relying too heavily on aggressive shots instead of strategically utilizing dinks and lobs can limit your effectiveness. Focus on diversifying your gameplay.

7. Are there any resources to help me understand the kitchen better? Yes! There are numerous resources available, including instructional videos, online articles, and pickleball communities that discuss strategies for navigating the kitchen. For a visual overview of the kitchen’s DOs and DON'Ts, you can check out this helpful video: Understanding the Pickleball Kitchen. Engaging with these materials can significantly enhance your understanding and application of kitchen rules and strategies.