What Is The Non Volley Zone In Pickleball? An In-Depth Guide

When you started to play pickleball the first rule you must have heard is don’t go in the kitchen, commonly referred to as the non-volley zone.

The area called the “non-volley zone” in pickleball, is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net, which is known as the “kitchen zone.” It’s not allowed to volley while standing within this zone.

If you are New To pickleball And wondering how to get started, check out How To Get Started.

Here, we will discuss the non-volley zone, its rules, the myth related to it, and why pickleball has a kitchen.

I have a detailed and in-depth guide about the volley as well, in case you want to read it.

Important Non-Volley Zone Rules in Pickleball

The non volley zone line marks the boundary players must respect to avoid faults and rule violations, particularly when executing volleys and specific shots like the Erne.

Explore official Non-volley Zone Rules here.

1. No Volleying While In the non-volley zone

One of the main NVZ rules is players cannot hit a volley shot while any part of the body is touching the non-volley zone. This includes hands, arms, legs, feet – any body part.

The restrictions and rules around performing a volley shot in pickleball are clear; players must have both feet fully outside the NVZ before striking a volley shot, ensuring they are not backing out of the kitchen or jumping backward to hit a close-to-net shot.

2. Equipment and paddles cannot cross the NVZ

In addition to the body, a player’s paddle, clothing, or other equipment cannot cross into the NVZ space during a volley swing. Even if you are standing outside the zone, allowing your paddle or shirt to cross the line is a fault.

3. Feet Outside the Kitchen Before and After Volleys

One of the key regulations around the non-volley zone is that both feet must be positioned outside the N0 Volley Zone lines before striking a volley. Foot contact with the NVZ area is not allowed before or after hitting the volley.

Why Is There A Kitchen in Pickleball? (Non-Volley Zone)

The kitchen prevents players from dominating the net area and smashing the ball continuously. Without it, the game might become one-sided and less enjoyable.

It encourages players to use strategy and placement rather than relying solely on power shots.

In conclusion, the kitchen is a key element of pickleball that encourages balanced and enjoyable gameplay, favoring skill and strategy over pure strength.

Myths Related to Non-Volley Zone

I hear a lot of misconceptions about the non-volley zone (NVZ) rules from pickleball players. Here are a few common myths I frequently hear about the NVZ that I would like to clarify.

1. The ball must bounce before you get in the kitchen

One myth about the pickleball court is that players cannot enter the NVZ (non-volley zone) at all until after the ball bounces.

However, on the pickleball court, you are allowed to enter the kitchen at any time, including before the ball bounces. The key rule is that you cannot just volley the ball while inside the NVZ.

You must let the ball bounce before hitting a shot while inside the zone. So, it is perfectly legal to move into the NVZ early on the pickleball court to prepare for a shot after the bounce.

2. Immediately leave the no-volley zone

One myth involving the non-volley zone is that if you enter it, you must immediately leave it,  which is not true. You can stay in it as long as you like just be aware that you cannot volley until you are outside the NVZ.

3. In the non-volley zone, you cannot be with your partner

Finally, some believe only one partner can be in the NVZ at a time, which is not true. In reality, both players on a team are allowed in the kitchen simultaneously. This positioning is permitted as long as neither player volleys the ball while in the NVZ.

People Also Ask

Some related questions.

Conclusion

In short, a no-volley zone, or kitchen, can be found on the pickleball court near the net, encompassing approximately 14 ft of the court with 7 ft on each side.

This article has covered what is a no-volley zone in pickleball, its rules within the pickleball court, the need for no-volley zones, and myths surrounding it.

Have a good day.