So what is the kitchen? Simply put, it is the 7 foot area on either side of the net. It’s also the most misunderstood and confusing part of Pickleball. All new players get intimidated and freaked out about the kitchen when friends try to teach them the game. The fear of going in the kitchen is akin to stepping in hot lava… no matter what, don’t step in the kitchen!

Ok, enough of the dramatics. Let’s get down to business and try to demystify and use the kitchen to your advantage. First things first, don’t call it the kitchen anymore. Call it the “No Volley Zone” instead. This is an easier way to understand what it is and how to play in and around it. If you are new to racket/paddle sports you may not know what a volley is so here is the official definition.

“In sports, especially pickleball or tennis, a strike of the ball made before it touches the ground.”

Same thing applies to Pickleball. If you hit the ball before it touches the ground, that is a volley. So why is the no volley zone so confusing? Because unlike other parts of Pickleball, the no volley zone has some interesting rules. And since the majority of the game is played near the net, you really need to know a few things to take your game to the next level.

Get to the no volley zone line as quickly as you can. By standing back or having a staggered partner, you are making your opponents shots much easier. You also can’t control a shot from the baseline as well as if you are near the net.
When near the net, use cross court “dink” shots. A dink is a light hit of the ball meant to stay low and drop shallow in the opposing court. Whenever possible push the diagonal cross court shot further and further out to force your opponent to create a gap between them and their partner. This will allow your partner to potentially poach and hit a winner down the middle.
Keep your cross court dink shots as low as possible. The higher the shot the more likely your opponent will be able to take it in the air for a forceful winner. If the ball stays around net level, it is much more difficult to hit power shots back.
If possible take the volley at its highest point. You will be able to hit a more powerful shot and potentially catch your opponent off guard.
If you hit a volley near the no volley zone, make sure you are not in the no volley zone or even standing on the no volley zone line. Either of these would be considered a fault.
If after hitting a volley, your momentum carries you into the no volley zone, it is a fault. It is perfectly acceptable for your partner to grab you and keep you out of the no volley zone though.
If after hitting a volley, your momentum starts to carry you into the no volley zone, you can jump out of bounds to avoid falling in the no volley zone. This happens more than you think.

There is also one myth about the no volley zone I want to clear up. Some people think the ball must bounce in the no volley zone for you to be able to step into it and take a shot. This is not true! The ball can bounce anywhere on the court and you can run, fall or walk into the no volley zone and still be ok. The key is to get out of the no volley zone as quickly as you can since you are an easy target to volley a shot while standing in the no volley zone if your opponent is thinking on their feet.

Hopefully this helps you understand the “Kitchen” a little better. If you know the rules and strategies, it really is the best place to be in Pickleball.

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