As fun as pickleball is, there is one rule that trips up novices and experts alike: the kitchen rule. Don’t let this deter you from playing pickleball because, luckily, getting around this rule isn’t as hard as you might think. This guide will teach you how to stop breaking the pickleball kitchen rule and begin using that area of the court to your advantage.

The Kitchen Rule

The “kitchen,” or “non-volley zone,” is the seven feet of empty space directly in front of the net, on both sides. The kitchen rule says that if players make contact with the kitchen lines, or the area within those lines, during a volley, then it will be officially considered a fault. This rule isn’t just about your body making contact with these areas—any objects or clothing connected to you cannot cross those lines during a volley. However, it’s not just “during” the volley in which you must abide by the kitchen rule.

If you volley the ball and then step into the kitchen, or stumble and accidentally allow your paddle to enter the kitchen, it’s a fault. Furthermore, if you volley the ball outside of the kitchen, but your partner is standing partially in the kitchen, and you come into physical contact with them during the volley, it’s a fault. Even if the ball is officially declared dead, or you were simply sent into the kitchen by the momentum of volleying the ball, it’s a fault.

How To Stop Breaking it

As you can see, the kitchen rule, especially for newcomers, can be a common source of frustration because it’s easy to break. Despite this rule, the kitchen isn’t off-limits to players entirely. If you want to get away with hitting a ball in the kitchen, it must bounce before you hit it. If the ball comes into contact with the net, you’re also allowed to hit it within the kitchen. When performing either of those actions, make sure to get back out of the kitchen immediately, just in case the opposing player sends the ball back quickly, requiring you to return a volley.

However, when it comes to playing in accordance with the kitchen rule, leaning is your best friend. If you volley the pickleball while leaning over the kitchen, you’re safe. You’ll have to work on your stability because leaning too far or too quickly can cause you to fall into the kitchen entirely.

Now that you know how to stop breaking the pickleball kitchen rule, you can begin sharpening your skills on the court. If you’re new to the sport, or you’re a longtime player who needs some replacement equipment, we can help you obtain quality pickleball supplies such as balls, nets, and other useful components for your next game.