Pickleball Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) Rules

The pickleball kitchen is the non-volley zone (NVZ), 7 ft (2.13 m) deep on each side of the net, and the kitchen line is part of it. There is really one rule: when you volley (hit the ball before it bounces), no part of your body may touch the kitchen or the kitchen line, and if your momentum carries you in after the volley, that’s a fault too. But the kitchen isn’t off limits: once the ball has bounced, you can step in and play it at any time.

The kitchen (non-volley zone) and the kitchen line in front of the net — In the game: the yellow area is the kitchen (non-volley zone), 7 ft from the net. The kitchen line is part of the kitchen, so no volleying with a foot on it.

Practice the kitchen rules in the game ›

What counts as a kitchen fault

Volleying while standing in the kitchen or with a foot on the kitchen line.
After a volley, your momentum carrying you into the kitchen or onto the kitchen line (even if the ball is already dead).
Your paddle, clothing or anything you’re wearing touching the kitchen during a volley.
Volleying right after leaving the kitchen, before both feet are back on the ground outside it.

None of these are faults

Stepping into the kitchen to return a ball that has bounced (a dink, for example).
Standing in the kitchen waiting for the ball, as long as you don’t volley.
Jumping from outside the kitchen, volleying in the air and landing outside it.
Going around the net post to hit the ball (the Erne), as long as you don’t touch the kitchen.

Why is there a kitchen?

Without it, everyone would crowd the net and smash down at the ball. The kitchen pushes volleys back from the net, so the game becomes a battle of patience and control near the kitchen line with soft shots (dinks), waiting for the other side to pop the ball up before attacking. That’s exactly what makes pickleball fun.

Where to stand in a game

In doubles, both players should ideally stand just behind the kitchen line: toes close to the line but not on it. That’s the strongest position at the net. When you volley, stay balanced and keep the swing short so you don’t fall forward into the kitchen.

Watch and learn

**What is the Kitchen in Pickleball | USA Pickleball**
Video: USA Pickleball (YouTube, loads when you play it)

FAQ

Can you step into the kitchen in pickleball?

Yes. The kitchen isn’t off limits; you just can’t volley in it. Once the ball has bounced, you can go into the kitchen to return it at any time.

Is it a fault to volley with your foot on the kitchen line?

Yes. The kitchen line is part of the kitchen, so touching it with your foot while volleying is a fault.

Is it a fault to step into the kitchen after a volley?

Yes. If the volley’s motion carries you into the kitchen or onto the kitchen line, it’s a fault, even if the ball is already dead.

Why is it called the kitchen?

“Kitchen” is the common nickname for the non-volley zone. Nobody agrees on where it came from; the official rulebook calls it the non-volley zone.

Last updated: 2026-11-03 · Based on the official USA Pickleball rules