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?

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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.

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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.