The non-volley zone, often referred to as the “kitchen,” is a defined area on a pickleball court located near the net. Players are prohibited from volleying the ball while standing within this zone. A volley is defined as hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces. An exception exists for entering this zone: a player may enter after the ball has bounced within the kitchen area. For example, a player can move into the kitchen to play a ball that lands there after it has bounced.
Understanding regulations regarding the non-volley zone is critical for successful gameplay. A violation results in a fault. Proper execution of shots that land within the kitchen forces opponents to approach the net, often setting up advantageous plays. Historically, the creation of this rule aimed to prevent net rushing and encourage longer rallies, contributing to the sport’s strategic depth and accessibility for a wide range of player abilities.
