Everything You Need to Know About the Pickleball Kitchen, Dinking, and the Rules of the Game
What Are the Rules of the Pickleball Kitchen?
One of Pickleball's most unique features is the "Non-Volley Zone" (NVZ), or, as most of us refer to it, "The Kitchen." The Kitchen is a distinct area on the court that stretches 7 feet on each side of the net. It plays a crucial role in shaping how the game is played and is a feature unlike anything seen in most other racquet sports.
Interesting fact: Shuffleboard is the only other sport with a similar off-limits area called a kitchen.
The Kitchen is good for the Game!
The Kitchen is a 7-foot "off-limits" zone where players cannot volley the ball—that is, hit it out of the air without it bouncing first. A non-volley zone adds a layer of strategy and skill to Pickleball. Without this 7-foot barrier, players could go to the net and wack a volley at the opponent. The sport would likely have been short-lived and never reached today's popularity.
The Kitchen Line
The line marking the boundary of the Kitchen is part of the zone itself. If a player's foot touches the line while attempting a volley, it's considered a fault. The point goes to the opposing team.
Rules of the Kitchen
The kitchen or NVZ rules differ from those of the rest of the court. These rules apply to the area between the net and, most importantly, the NVL line. They are relatively simple and create opportunities for interesting shots!
1. No Volleying
Players cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the Kitchen.
What is a Volley? When the Pickleball is hit before it bounces, it is considered a volley. Volleys are offensive shots, allowing a player or team to return a ball faster and often more aggressively than if it bounces.
2. Enter NVZ at any time if...
Players may enter the NVZ at any time if they are not or have not hit the ball as a volley. A ball that bounces can be hit while the player stands in the Kitchen. A Serve must bounce after the NVZ and line.
Who is Responsible for Calling a Kitchen Violation?
The rules of the Kitchen are clear, but it can often be challenging to monitor during the point. Hitting while standing in the zone is usually easy to spot. But what becomes more difficult is when a player stands on the line. Remember, if a player's foot touches or crosses the line of the Kitchen while attempting to hit a volley, it's a violation.
The player who commits the foul calls it on themselves. Pickleball is a social, fun, and competitive sport—being honest and fair about calls maintains the spirit of the game. An opponent can question the other team about a foul, but they cannot call it. When fouls go uncalled, we like Coach Katie Easter's saying, "Athletes move on."
Want a quick tutorial on the Kitchen? Check out our favorite online coach, Tanner!
“The Party is in the Kitchen”
One of the most exciting things about Pickleball is, the learning continues. Beginner players frequently rely on a serve-and-return game. As players continue to advance their skills though, the importance of being in The Kitchen, developing a third-shot drop, and dinking, enter your gameplay and elevate your skill level.
The NVZ forces players to think more about positioning, shot selection, and timing, preventing a pure power game dominated by net volleys. Dinking, fast-paced, yet controlled exchange of volleys and defensive overheads happen because of the Kitchen. For these reasons, coaches will often say, "The party is in the kitchen." The variety of soft and fast shots, angles, and spins set Pickleball apart from other racquet sports.
What is a Dink?
The dink is one of the most well-known and skillful shots in Pickleball. It's when the ball drops gently just over the net and hits softly so it stays low. While we usually practice dinking during warm-ups, doing it well in a game takes a lot of skill and precision. Players often use dinks to slow down an aggressive opponent's shots, force them to return the ball, or set up a chance for a more decisive play. Getting the dink right is super important for winning in Pickleball because it helps control the Game's pace while staying in the Kitchen.
We've Got You Covered
Bending, squatting, and volleying at the Kitchen require the right clothing to let you focus on the ball and not your derriere. Saltie Rose pickleball apparel allows for the freedom of movement and performance. Don’t forget to have fun—add a little spice at the Kitchen with our For Play Pickleball Paddle.
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