One of the most unique and important features of pickleball is the “kitchen” or non-volley zone (NVZ). Understanding the rules around this area is essential for anyone looking to improve their game and play by the book.

What is the kitchen?

The kitchen is a 7-foot zone on each side of the net, running the full width of the court. It plays a critical role in how the game unfolds. Why is it also called the NVZ? Because you’re not allowed to volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in this area, not even if just a toe or fingertip is touching the line. This includes instances when your momentum carries you into the kitchen after making a volley. If that happens, it’s a fault. The purpose of this rule is to discourage players from camping out at the net for easy smashes and to encourage longer, more strategic rallies.

Can you enter the kitchen?

Yes. Entering the kitchen is allowed. You can step into the NVZ at any time as long as you're not volleying the ball. In fact, you’re encouraged to move into the kitchen to return balls that have bounced. Just be ready to move back out quickly to stay in position for the next shot.

The momentum rule

As mentioned earlier, one of the trickiest aspects of the kitchen rule involves momentum. Even if you volley the ball while outside the kitchen, if your forward motion causes you to step into the NVZ afterward, it’s still a fault. Because of this, players have developed creative strategies like dinking and the Erne to stay aggressive at the net without breaking the rules.

The art of soft play

Dinking is a soft, controlled shot designed to land in your opponent’s kitchen. It’s a vital part of pickleball strategy, used to lure opponents toward the net and open up the court for more aggressive plays. Mastering the dink takes touch, timing, and patience.

Advanced net play

The Erne is an advanced move that allows you to volley close to the net without stepping into the kitchen. To execute it, a player positions themselves near the sideline, jumps over the NVZ, and strikes the ball in mid-air, landing outside the court boundaries to stay within the rules. It’s a bold and effective way to apply pressure at the net, but precision and timing are crucial. Note that touching the net or post during this move will result in a fault.

Where did the term “kitchen” come from?

While the exact origin of the term isn’t confirmed, it’s widely believed to come from shuffleboard, where the kitchen refers to a penalty zone. The name likely stuck because both games feature restricted zones where specific rules apply.

Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or competing at a high level, mastering the nuances of the kitchen or NVZ can dramatically improve your strategy and performance.