Last Updated on January 22, 2026 by Drew Pierce
I still remember the first time I played pickleball. I stood at the baseline, terrified of the seven-foot zone in front of the net like it was actual hot lava. I had been told by a well-meaning (but dead wrong) regular that “you can’t go in there unless the ball bounces in there.”
For three weeks, I played like a statue, afraid to toe the line.
It turns out, I was wrong. And that guy at the local courts? He was wrong too.
The “Kitchen”—officially known as the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)—is the most misunderstood part of this sport. It is also the single biggest reason beginners lose points they shouldn’t.
If you have ever argued with your partner about whether they “momentum fell” into the zone or if you are allowed to step in before the ball bounces, this guide is for you.
What Exactly is the Kitchen?
The Kitchen is the 7-foot section of the court on both sides of the net, extending from sideline to sideline.
But forget the measurements. Here is the only definition that matters for your game: The Kitchen is a “No-Fly Zone” for volleys.
That’s it. You can stand in it. You can dance in it. You can eat a sandwich in it. You just cannot hit the ball out of the air while you are touching it.
Why Does It Exist?
Without the Kitchen, pickleball would be broken. Imagine a 6’4″ former tennis player standing two inches from the net, smashing every ball that comes over directly into your shoelaces. The game would last four minutes.
The Kitchen forces players back. It forces the “dink” game. It creates the strategy that gives us rookies a chance against the bangers.
The Golden Rule: “You Can Be In It, You Just Can’t Volley In It”
This is the number one thing I wish I knew on Day 1.
A “Volley” is hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces.
- If you are standing in the Kitchen, you cannot volley.
- If your toe is on the line, you cannot volley.
- If you volley and then stumble into the Kitchen two seconds later, you just lost the point.
A “Groundstroke” is hitting the ball after it bounces.
- If the ball bounces, the Kitchen becomes “safe terrain.” You can step in, hit the ball, and stay there as long as you want (though I wouldn’t recommend camping out there).
The 3 “Rookie Myths” That Are Costing You Points
If you play open play at your local park, you will hear people shouting rules that simply do not exist. Here are the three big ones you need to ignore.
Myth #1: “You can’t step in the Kitchen until the ball bounces.”
The Truth: You can step in the Kitchen whenever you want. If you see your opponent winding up for a drop shot that you know is going to land short, you don’t have to wait. You can step into the Kitchen early, plant your feet, wait for the bounce, and smash it.
- Pro Tip: This is actually a great strategy. If you anticipate a short dink, get in there early so you aren’t rushing.
Myth #2: “You can only enter if the ball bounces IN the Kitchen.”
The Truth: It doesn’t matter where the ball bounces. The ball could bounce at the baseline! If you want to stand in the Kitchen and hit a ball that bounced 15 feet behind you (which would be a weird shot, but legal), you can. The Kitchen rules are about your feet and the volley, not where the ball lands.
Myth #3: “The line doesn’t count.”
The Truth: The line is lava. The 2-inch Non-Volley Zone line is part of the Kitchen. It is not a “safe border.” If you hit a volley and your pinky toe is compressing the vinyl of the line, it’s a fault. If you jump over the Kitchen, hit a smash, and your heel clips the line on the landing? Fault.
The “Silent Killer”: Momentum Rules
This is where 90% of arguments happen in recreational play.
Let’s say you are standing safely behind the line. A high ball comes over. You jump forward, smash it for a winner, and then your momentum carries you forward. You take three steps to regain your balance, and on the fourth step, your left foot taps the Kitchen line.
Call: Fault. You lose the point.
According to the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (Rule 9.B), if your momentum causes you to touch the Kitchen—even if the ball is already dead—it is a fault.
The “Partner Backpack” Save There is a fun loophole here. If you hit a volley and are about to fall into the Kitchen, your partner is legally allowed to grab your shirt and yank you back. As long as they aren’t in the Kitchen, the point stands. I’ve been saved by this twice, and it feels like an action movie every time.
FAQ: Questions I Was Too Embarrassed to Ask
Q: Can my paddle cross the Kitchen line in the air? A: Yes! The Kitchen is 2-dimensional. It is only the ground that matters. Your head, your paddle, and your arms can hang over the Kitchen line all day long. You can lean forward and volley a ball before it crosses the net plane (as long as you don’t touch the net).
Q: What happens if I drop my keys/hat/sunglasses in the Kitchen? A: If you are in the middle of a volley and your hat falls off and lands in the Kitchen, it is a fault. The rule applies to anything you are wearing or carrying. (This is a great reason to tighten your hat before a match).
Q: Can I jump over the Kitchen? (The Erne) A: Technically, yes. This is called an “Erne.” If you jump from outside the sideline, hit the ball in the air, and land outside the sideline, you never touched the Kitchen. It’s a legal volley, but don’t try this until you have mastered the basics, or you’ll just look silly.
Q: Does the serve have to clear the Kitchen? A: Yes. The serve is the only time the ball cannot land on the Kitchen line. If a serve hits the NVZ line, it is a fault. During regular play, if a ball hits the line, it is “in”.
The Bottom Line
Don’t be afraid of the Kitchen. It isn’t a forbidden zone; it’s just a “Groundstroke Only” zone.
Next time you are at the courts and someone yells at you for stepping in early, just smile, hit the winner off the bounce, and tell them to check Rule 9.E.