The Kitchen Rules

What is the Kitchen in Pickleball?

If you are new to the sport, you've likely heard players yelling "Kitchen!" or "Foot fault!" The Kitchen, officially known as the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), is the 7-foot section of the court on either side of the net. It is the most unique and strategic element of pickleball.

The Golden Rule: No Volleys Allowed

The primary rule is simple but strict: You cannot hit the ball out of the air (a volley) while standing in the Kitchen.

This includes:

• Stepping on the Kitchen line (it is part of the Kitchen).
• Dropping your paddle, hat, or sunglasses into the zone during the volley motion.
• Momentum carrying you into the zone after you hit the volley.

When Can You Enter the Kitchen?

Many beginners think the Kitchen is "lava." This is a myth! You CAN enter the Kitchen anytime, as long as you do not volley. If the ball bounces in the Kitchen, you can step in, hit it, and then step out.

At Xephira, we design our paddles for precision control, helping you execute perfect "dinks" that land softly in your opponent's Kitchen, forcing them to make a mistake.