So you’ve finally decided to dive into the exciting world of pickleball, and you’re hearing players toss around the term “kitchen” like it’s the latest culinary buzzword. But instead of stove-tops and ovens, you’re surrounded by paddles and wiffle-like balls. Confused yet?
Understanding the rules and terminologies can be daunting, especially when they seem so out of context. Not knowing what the “kitchen” is might leave you feeling out of the loop, or worse, committing unintentional faults in the middle of a game.
Fear not, pickleball enthusiast! In this article, you’ll get an in-depth explanation of what the “kitchen” in pickleball really is, and by the end, you’ll be navigating the court (and the kitchen) like a seasoned pro. Stick around and let’s dig into this important part of pickleball!
What is the Pickleball Kitchen?
The kitchen, otherwise known as the non-volley zone, is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net where players cannot hit the pickleball out of the air (or volley it) unless the ball bounces in this area first. If a player steps into the kitchen to volley the ball (hit it before it bounces), it’s a fault. Players are, however, allowed to step into the kitchen to hit the ball after it has bounced.
The term “kitchen” is a colloquialism and is just one of the fun and unique aspects of the game’s terminology. The official term is “non-volley zone,” but “kitchen” is widely recognized and used in casual and competitive play.
Why Can’t You Hit the Pickleball in the Kitchen?
The official rules of pickleball specify that you can’t hit the ball in the non-volley zone. Here are some key reasons why it is an integral part of how you play pickleball:
1. Skill and Strategy
The rule adds a level of strategy and finesse to the game. Players must be skillful in dinking – soft, controlled shots that land within the non-volley zone – to move their opponents out of position and create opportunities to score. Without the non-volley zone, the game could devolve into a power game with players aggressively smashing at the net.
The kitchen makes sure the players are constantly moving (and burning calories.) Learn more about how this consistent movement in pickleball offers an array of health benefits.
2. Safety
The non-volley zone prevents players from rushing the net and smashing the ball at close range, which could be dangerous, especially in doubles play where players are in close proximity to each other.
3. Origins and Tradition:
The rule has been a part of pickleball since its early days, and it helps differentiate the sport from other racket/paddle sports like tennis or badminton.
4. Equalizing Play:
The kitchen rule levels the playing field a bit. While players with longer reaches and more power might have an advantage in other parts of the court, the non-volley zone rule forces every player to rely more on accuracy and strategy.
Remember, while you can’t volley the ball while standing in the kitchen, you can step into it to hit the ball after it has bounced. The key is not to be in the non-volley zone when striking the ball out of the air.
What are the Dimensions of the Non-Volley Zone?
The width of the kitchen extends the full width of the pickleball court, which is 20 feet. The depth of the kitchen is 7 feet from the net on both sides.
What are the full dimensions of the pickleball court?
For clarity on just how large the kitchen is, the full dimensions of the pickleball court are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both doubles and singles play.
Can the Ball Land in the Kitchen in Pickleball?
Yes, the ball can land in the kitchen (non-volley zone) in pickleball. In fact, a common strategy used by players is the “dink” shot, which is a soft, controlled shot intended to land in the opponent’s kitchen. The aim is to make the opponent either hit the ball upward (creating an opportunity for a smash or a volley) or make an error.
What’s important to remember about the kitchen is the volleying restriction: Players cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air without letting it bounce) while standing in the kitchen or if their momentum carries them into the kitchen after hitting the ball. However, once the ball has bounced in the kitchen, players can step into the zone to hit it, even as a volley on the subsequent shots.
Who Can Call a Kitchen Violation in Pickleball?
In pickleball, who can call a kitchen violation (a fault for stepping into the non-volley zone or “kitchen” and volleying the ball) varies depending on the setting and level of play:
Recreational Play
In casual or recreational games, players often self-officiate. This means any player on the court can call a kitchen violation if they see it. Honesty and sportsmanship are expected.
Tournament Play with Line Judges
In more formal settings, such as tournaments, there may be line judges assigned to specifically watch for kitchen violations. These judges have the authority to call violations.
Tournament Play with Referee:
In many tournament games, there’s also a central referee overseeing the match. This referee can call kitchen violations and overrule line judges if necessary.
Tournament Play without Line Judges:
In cases where a tournament match has a referee but no line judges, the referee has the responsibility to call kitchen violations. Additionally, players can still call violations on their opponents, but the referee has the final say in any disputes.
It’s worth noting that in tournament play, when line judges or referees are present, players are generally discouraged from making calls themselves, unless the rules specifically allow for it. The presence of officials is intended to ensure that the game is played fairly and without disputes over line calls.
What is a ‘Dink’ in Pickleball?
A “dink” in pickleball is a strategic, soft shot that is hit just barely over the net, intended to land in the opponent’s non-volley zone. The purpose of a dink is to create a difficult shot for the opponent, often forcing them to hit upwards and therefore setting up a potential offensive opportunity for the player who executed the dink (or their doubles partner.)
It’s a finesse shot that requires control and touch rather than power, and is a fundamental skill in higher-level pickleball play for constructing points and outmaneuvering opponents.
If you’ve mastered the controlled dink shot, now consider How to Hit the Pickleball Harder.
Getting to Know the Pickleball Essentials: The Kitchen
In conclusion, understanding the concept of the kitchen in pickleball is not just about adding one more rule to your arsenal; it’s about embracing a strategic element that is unique to the sport. This non-volley zone extends the full 20-foot width of the court and 7 feet from the net, creating a space where only the most tactful shots — like the dink — can thrive.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned player refining your strategy, respecting and utilizing the kitchen can transform your game, adding layers of skill and sportsmanship. As you step onto the court for your next game, remember that the kitchen is more than just a designated area — it’s the heart of some of the most thrilling exchanges and clever plays in pickleball. So, lace up your shoes, grab your paddle, and get ready to master the art of the kitchen, where patience meets precision in the wonderful game of pickleball.
For more of the essential pickleball tips, stick with the Pickleball Savant for everything you need to know.
Pickleball Non-Volley Zone FAQs
Why is the Non-Volley Zone Called the Kitchen?
The non-volley zone in pickleball being commonly referred to as the “kitchen” is a bit of whimsical slang that adds character to the sport. There isn’t a definitive record of how this nickname came to be, but there are a few theories:
- Home-style Play: One theory suggests that because pickleball was originally created on a home property and played in a backyard, the term “kitchen” was used to add a homey, familial feel to the game.
- Informal Culture: The casual, social atmosphere of pickleball leads to fun and informal terminology. “Kitchen” may have been a term that simply stuck due to its colloquial charm.
- A Playful Warning: Another suggestion is that the term was coined as a light-hearted warning to players to “stay out of the kitchen,” just as one might warn someone to stay out of a busy kitchen during meal prep to avoid getting in the way of getting hurt.
- An Allusion to the Rules: It’s also possible that the term is an allusion to the idea of a kitchen being a place where certain activities happen (like cooking) and certain things are off-limits (like playing ball). In pickleball, the non-volley zone has its own set of restrictions, much like the rules of a household kitchen.
- Euphonic Appeal: The term “kitchen” is short, catchy, and has a friendly ring to it, making it a memorable and endearing term for an area of the court where players must be cautious.
Regardless of its origins, the term “kitchen” reflects pickleball’s approachable and communal spirit, contributing to its reputation as a game that is both social and accessible.
When Are you Allowed to Be in the Kitchen in Pickleball?
In pickleball, you are allowed to be in the kitchen (non-volley zone) under certain circumstances. You can step into the kitchen to play a ball that has already bounced within this zone. Furthermore, after hitting the ball, you can enter the kitchen as long as you didn’t volley the ball out of the air. However, you cannot volley the ball (hit it before it bounces) while standing in the kitchen or if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after hitting the ball. The key restriction concerns volleying, not merely standing or moving within the non-volley zone.
What is the Length and Width of the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) in Pickleball?
The kitchen is a rectangle that is 20 feet wide and 7 feet deep, situated directly adjacent to the net on both the left and right sides of the court.
Can the Ball Hit the Non-Volley Zone Line in Pickleball?
In pickleball, when serving, the ball must clear the non-volley zone, including the non-volley line (kitchen line), and land in the correct service court. If the ball touches the non-volley line (kitchen line) on a serve, it is considered a fault.
The serve must land beyond the non-volley zone in the area between the non-volley line and the baseline of the receiving team’s court. This rule helps to ensure that the serve doesn’t give the serving team an unfair advantage, keeping the serve from being too aggressive and allowing the receiving team a fair chance to return the serve.
More Helpful Pickleball Resources:
- Are Double Hits Allowed in Pickleball?
- How Does Scoring in Pickleball Work?
- Can You Play Pickleball on a Wet Court?
- Are you Allowed to Hit the Net in Pickleball?
- How to Play Pickleball Singles?
- Pickleball vs. Tennis: What’s the Difference?
- Does Drake Own a Pickleball Team?
- What is Major League Pickleball (MLP)?
- Is Pickleball a Fad? Pickleball Trends
Sources:
- https://www.paddletek.com/blogs/news/pickleball-kitchen-rule
- https://unsplash.com/photos/three-tennis-balls-on-a-tennis-court-near-a-net-3k-yNMhYl5k?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash (image credit)
- https://pickleballkitchen.com/pickleball-rules-what-is-the-kitchen-rule/
- https://www.pickleheads.com/guides/pickleball-kitchen-rules
