What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?

If you’re new to pickleball, you may have heard the term “kitchen” used in conversation. But what exactly is the kitchen in pickleball? In this article, we’ll explore the definition of the kitchen, its location on the court, and the rules associated with it.

What is the Kitchen in Pickleball?

In pickleball, the kitchen is a colloquial term for the non-volley zone. According to Pickleball Kitchen [Pickleball Kitchen], this is a section of the court that is 7 feet away from both sides of the net and extends to each sideline. The kitchen is sometimes also referred to as “the no-volley zone” or “the NVZ.

The reason why the kitchen is so well-known is that it’s one of the easiest rules to break as a beginner, but also that it’s a unique aspect of pickleball that adds an extra layer of strategy and skill to the game.

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Where is the Kitchen on the Pickleball Court?

As previously mentioned, the kitchen is located 7 feet away from both sides of the net and extends to each sideline. According to Pickleheads [Pickleheads], this means that on each side of the net, the kitchen is 7 feet deep by 20 feet wide, for a total area of 140 square feet.

The kitchen is marked by a line on each side of the court, and the line is usually a different color than the other lines on the court to make it more visible. Players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing inside the kitchen, which we’ll discuss in more detail in the next section.

How Big is the Kitchen in Pickleball?

As previously mentioned, the kitchen covers the area within 7 feet of the net on both sides and extends from sideline to sideline. According to Pickleheads, the size of the kitchen is 7 feet deep by 20 feet wide on each side of the net, for a total area of 140 square feet.

The size of the kitchen may seem small, but it plays an important role in the game. It’s a strategic area where players can try to force their opponents into making mistakes while also avoiding making mistakes themselves.

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What are the Rules of the Kitchen in Pickleball?

Now that we know what the kitchen is and where it’s located, let’s explore the rules associated with it. The main rule of the kitchen is that players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing inside it.

According to Pickleball Portal [Pickleball Portal], a volley is when a player hits the ball in the air without letting it bounce first. Volleying is allowed outside of the kitchen, but if a player volleys the ball while standing inside the kitchen, it’s considered a fault.

If a fault is committed while standing in the kitchen, the opposing team earns a point. This means that being able to avoid standing in the kitchen and knowing when to hit a volley can make a big difference in the outcome of a game.

Another rule associated with the kitchen is that players are allowed to enter it, but they must exit before hitting the ball. This means that players can step into the kitchen to retrieve a ball that has bounced in it, but they must step back out before hitting the ball.

Can You Step Into the Kitchen in Pickleball?

As previously mentioned, players are allowed to step into the kitchen in pickleball, but they must exit before hitting the ball. This rule is in place to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by hitting the ball while standing inside the kitchen.

However, players can still use the kitchen to their advantage by strategically placing shots near the kitchen line or trying to force their opponents to step into it. Being able to move quickly in and out of the kitchen can also be an important skill to have.

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Why is the Kitchen Important in Pickleball?

The kitchen is an important part of pickleball because it adds an extra layer of strategy and skill to the game. Knowing when to enter and exit the kitchen, and when to hit a volley, can make a big difference in the outcome of a game.

The kitchen also helps to prevent players from dominating the game with powerful volleys. By forcing players to stay out of the kitchen while volleying, the game becomes more balanced and allows for more rallies and longer points.

How Can You Practice Playing in the Kitchen?

If you’re looking to improve your skills in the kitchen, there are several drills and exercises you can do. Here are a few ideas:

• Kitchen footwork: Practice moving quickly in and out of the kitchen by setting up cones or markers and stepping in and out of them while hitting a ball back and forth with a partner.
• Volley practice: Practice hitting volleys outside of the kitchen to improve your accuracy and timing.
• Dinking practice: Dinking is a soft shot that is used near the kitchen line to set up a volley or force your opponent into making a mistake. Practice dinking by hitting the ball softly back and forth with a partner.

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How Do You Stay Out of the Kitchen in Pickleball?

Staying out of the kitchen in pickleball can be challenging, especially for beginners. Here are a few tips to help you stay out of the kitchen:

• Stay back: If you’re not comfortable hitting volleys, stay back from the net and hit groundstrokes instead.
• Aim for the corners: Try to place shots near the sidelines to make it more difficult for your opponent to return the ball without stepping into the kitchen.

• Use dinks: Instead of hitting volleys, use dinks to keep the ball near the kitchen line and force your opponent into making a mistake.
• Practice footwork: As previously mentioned, practice moving quickly in and out of the kitchen to improve your footwork and ability to avoid stepping into it.

What are Some Tips for Playing in the Kitchen in Pickleball?

If you’re comfortable playing in the kitchen, here are a few tips to help you improve your game:

• Be patient: Don’t try to hit winners from the kitchen. Instead, focus on placing shots near the kitchen line and forcing your opponent into making a mistake.
• Stay low: When hitting volleys or dinks from the kitchen, stay low and keep your knees bent to improve your stability and balance.
• Anticipate shots: Try to anticipate where your opponent will hit the ball and be ready to move quickly in and out of the kitchen to return it.
• Use angles: Use angles to your advantage by hitting shots that force your opponent to move away from the kitchen line.

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How Do You Return a Ball from the Kitchen in Pickleball?

Returning a ball from the kitchen in pickleball can be challenging, especially if your opponent hits a hard shot. Here are a few tips to help you return the ball:

• Stay low: As previously mentioned, stay low and keep your knees bent to improve your stability and balance.
• Use your paddle: Use your paddle to control the angle and speed of the ball, especially when hitting dinks or soft shots.
• Watch the ball: Keep your eye on the ball and try to anticipate where it will bounce before moving in to hit it.
• Practice footwork: As previously mentioned, practice moving quickly in and out of the kitchen to improve your footwork and ability to return shots.

What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Kitchen in Pickleball?

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when playing in the kitchen in pickleball:

• Standing too close to the net: Standing too close to the net can make it more difficult to move quickly in and out of the kitchen.
• Hitting volleys from inside the kitchen: Hitting volleys while standing inside the kitchen is a fault and will result in a point for the opposing team.
• Forgetting to exit the kitchen: If you step into the kitchen to retrieve a ball, make sure to exit before hitting it.

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How Do You Improve Your Kitchen Game in Pickleball?

If you’re looking to improve your game in the kitchen, here are a few tips:

• Practice footwork: Practice moving quickly in and out of the kitchen to improve your footwork and ability to avoid stepping into it.
• Work on your volleys: Practice hitting volleys outside of the kitchen to improve your accuracy and timing.
• Use dinks: Use dinks to keep the ball near the kitchen line and force your opponent into making a mistake.
• Watch your opponent: Try to anticipate where your opponent will hit the ball and be ready to move quickly in and out of the kitchen to return it.

What are the Benefits of Mastering the Kitchen in Pickleball?

Mastering the kitchen in pickleball can provide several benefits, including:

• Improved footwork: Being able to move quickly in and out of the kitchen can improve your overall footwork and agility on the court.
• Better shot placement: Knowing when to hit a volley and when to use a dink can help you place shots more effectively and force your opponent into making mistakes.
• Increased strategy: The kitchen adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, allowing for more complex rallies and longer points.
• Competitive advantage: Being able to stay out of the kitchen while forcing your opponent to make mistakes can give you a competitive advantage and increase your chances of winning.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the kitchen in pickleball refers to the non-volley zone, which is an area located 7 feet away from the net on both sides and extends from sideline to sideline. The main rule associated with the kitchen is that players are not allowed to volley the ball while standing inside it. Players are allowed to step into the kitchen, but they must exit before hitting the ball.

The kitchen is an important part of pickleball as it adds an extra layer of strategy and skill to the game. Knowing when to enter and exit the kitchen, and when to hit a volley, can make a big difference in the outcome of a game. There are several drills and exercises that players can do to improve their skills in the kitchen, such as footwork drills, volley practice, and dinking practice.

By mastering the kitchen, players can improve their footwork, shot placement, and overall strategy, giving them a competitive advantage on the court.