If pickleball has one rule that stumps beginners the most, it’s the Kitchen—officially called the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ). Mastering it isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about using it as a tactical weapon.
What is the Kitchen?
- It’s the 7-foot zone on both sides of the net, marked by the NVZ line.
- You can step in it anytime, but there’s one key restriction: You can’t volley in the Kitchen (meaning you can’t hit the ball out of the air before it bounces).
The Basic Rule
You cannot:
- Be standing in the Kitchen or touching the line when volleying.
- Let your momentum carry you into the Kitchen after volleying (even if the ball is dead).
You can:
- Enter the Kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
- Stand in the Kitchen as long as you’re not volleying.
Why the Kitchen Exists
Without it, the game would turn into a smash-fest at the net. The NVZ forces players to use touch shots like dinks and build rallies with strategy instead of brute force.
Pro-Level Kitchen Tactics
1. Own the NVZ Line
- Stand just behind the line in a ready stance.
- Paddle up, knees bent—so you can dink, block, or volley without stepping in.
2. Dink with Intent
- Keep your dinks low and close to the net to force upward returns.
- Target your opponent’s backhand for higher error rates.
3. Watch Your Momentum
- After a volley, control your body weight so you don’t “fall” into the Kitchen.
- Use small, quick recovery steps rather than lunging.
4. Pull Opponents In, Then Attack
- Drop shots force them into the Kitchen, where they can’t hit an overhead.
- Next shot: aim a fast drive at their body or feet.
Kitchen Practice Drill
“In-and-Out Challenge”
- Stand just outside the NVZ with a partner feeding balls.
- Practice stepping in to dink after a bounce, then quickly stepping back out.
- Focus on foot control and paddle readiness.
Bottom Line:
The Kitchen is not a “no-go” zone—it’s a place where control, finesse, and strategy dominate. The best players don’t just avoid Kitchen faults; they own the NVZ line and use it to dictate the rally.
