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The “kitchen” is one of pickleball’s most unique—and misunderstood—rules. Officially called the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), this 7-foot area on either side of the net shapes the game’s strategy, forcing players to rely on skill rather than brute force.
In this definitive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the kitchen rule, including:
✔ What the kitchen is and why it exists
✔ Key rules (and common misconceptions)
✔ Advanced techniques like the Erne shot
✔ Pro strategies for dominating the NVZ
✔ Frequent mistakes & how to avoid them
Backed by USA Pickleball’s official rules and insights from top players, this guide will transform your understanding of the kitchen—whether you’re a beginner or an advanced competitor.
1. What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
Definition & Purpose
- The kitchen (NVZ) is a 7-foot-deep zone extending from the net to the non-volley line on both sides of the court.
- Primary Purpose: Prevents players from “camping” at the net and smashing every shot, ensuring longer rallies and strategic play.
Why Is It Called the “Kitchen”?
- Theory #1: Borrowed from shuffleboard, where landing in the “kitchen” costs points.
- Theory #2: Inspired by the phrase “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”—referring to high-pressure net play.
2. The Core Kitchen Rules (What You Can & Can’t Do)
Rule #1: No Volleying in the Kitchen
- Volley Definition: Hitting the ball before it bounces.
- Key Restriction: You cannot volley while:
- Standing inside the NVZ (even a toe on the line counts).
- Your momentum carries you in after a volley 10.
- Any clothing or equipment (hat, paddle, sunglasses) touches the NVZ during a volley.
“The kitchen is a 2D space—you can volley above it, but never while touching it.”
Rule #2: You CAN Enter the Kitchen—If Done Right
- Legal Actions:
- Stepping in after the ball bounces (e.g., for a dink).
- Standing in the NVZ between rallies (no volleying).
- Illegal Actions:
- Jumping from inside the kitchen to volley (even if you land outside).
- Volleying while any part of you or your gear touches the NVZ.
Rule #3: The Kitchen Line Is Part of the NVZ
- Even brushing the line during a volley is a fault.
- Exception: The sidelines are not part of the NVZ, enabling advanced shots like the Erne.
3. Advanced Kitchen Strategies
1. The Dink Shot: A Kitchen Weapon
- A soft, controlled shot that lands in the opponent’s NVZ, forcing them to let it bounce.
- Pro Tip: Aim for low, unattackable dinks to draw errors.
2. The Erne Shot: Bending the Rules
- A legal loophole: Jumping outside the sideline to volley over the kitchen.
- Key Requirement: No contact with the NVZ during the volley.
3. Footwork & Positioning
- “Toeing the Line”: Stand inches behind the NVZ line for quick reactions.
- Avoid Backpedaling: If lobbed, sidestep out before volleying to prevent momentum faults.
4. Common Kitchen Mistakes (& How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Volleying from the NVZ | Instant fault | Let the ball bounce first |
| Momentum carrying you in | Even post-volley contact is illegal | Practice controlled stops |
| Serving into the kitchen | Serve must clear the NVZ line | Aim deeper |
| Standing too far back | Gives opponents easy dinks | Hug the NVZ line |
5. Pro Insights: How the Best Players Use the Kitchen
- Eva Welsher (AARP Champ): “The kitchen is where games are won. Master dinks, and you control the tempo.”
- Andrei Daescu (APP Pro): “Stay light on your feet—never let your weight drag you into the NVZ mid-volley.”
- Sarah Ansboury: “Advanced players use the kitchen to set traps, not just defend.”
Final Summary: Key Takeaways
✅ Never volley while touching the kitchen (line included).
✅ You CAN enter the NVZ—just don’t volley there.
✅ Dinking is the #1 strategy for kitchen dominance.
✅ Master the Erne for surprise offensive plays.
✅ Footwork > Power—control your momentum to avoid faults.
“The kitchen isn’t a restriction—it’s a chessboard. Play it right, and you’ll outthink every opponent.”
Ready to level up? Practice these rules in your next game, and watch your pickleball IQ soar.
Have a kitchen question? Drop it below—we’ll help you master the NVZ! 🏓
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