In pickleball, the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), a rectangular area next to the net, is referred to as the “kitchen” because players are not permitted to smash the ball in the air (volley) there unless it bounces first.  sport that has bounced into the spotlight in recent times, captivating racquet-sport veterans and novices alike. And let’s not forget the quirky yet tantalizing enigma at the heart of this pulsating game—the “kitchen.” Trust us, it’s not where we cook up a mean stir-fry, but it’s no less spicy in the realm of pickleball. This significant patch of the court cooks up a dash of excitement with its own set of rules.

Pickleball is a sport for everyone, and it’s more popular than ever. But if you’re new to the game, or even just new to our space, you might be wondering what makes pickleball different from other sports. Well, let us tell you: it all comes down to the pickleball kitchen rules.

The kitchen rules are unique to pickleball because they’re based on your kitchen—literally. So if you’re wondering where they came from or how they work, or even why they exist at all… well, that’s where we come in.

Pickleball kitchen rules 101

First things first, let’s define the pickleball kitchen. The kitchen, also known as the non-volley zone (NVZ), is the 7-foot area on both sides of the net. It’s affectionately called the “kitchen” because, just like in a game of “hot potato,” things heat up in there real quick.

Now, let’s break down the kitchen rules in simple, digestible bites (pun intended.):

1. No-Volley Rule: You may not hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the kitchen. You can only do so if both your feet are completely outside the NVZ.
2. Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once before you’re allowed to hit it inside the kitchen. And when you do, both feet must be grounded outside or touching the NVZ line. No jumping around like a caffeinated kangaroo (too bad, we know).
3. Two-Bounce Rule: At the start of each point, the ball must bounce on both the serving and receiving sides before being returned (a.k.a., the “double-bounce” rule). This keeps things fair, fun, and prevents players from overpowering each other. Everyone loves an underdog story.

PICKLEBALL KITCHEN RULES MYTHS

Myth 1: “If the ball hits the kitchen line, it’s a fault.” FALSE. The kitchen lines are part of the NVZ, and as long as your feet are grounded according to the rules, you’re good to go. Consider the line your friendly neighborhood spider… erm, pickleball web – it’s got your back.

Myth 2: “You can’t enter the kitchen at any time.” Not quite, dear reader. Remember, you can hit the ball in the kitchen after it bounces, and you can even venture in to retrieve wayward balls. Just be sure to abide by the No-Volley rule and don’t linger too long; you wouldn’t want to burn what’s cooking.

Myth 3: “Jumping out of the kitchen and volleying is allowed.” Actually, you can’t. If you’re in the air and any part of your body touches the kitchen, it’s a fault. The kitchen holds a grudge, folks—so when it’s time to leave, be sure to use the door.