Pickleball is a fun sport that many people enjoy. It is easy to learn and played by people of all ages. One important part of the game is the “kitchen.” But how big is the kitchen in pickleball? This article will explain the size and rules of the kitchen in simple words.
What is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The kitchen is also called the “non-volley zone.” It is a special area near the net. Players cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen. They must let the ball bounce first if they are inside this zone. This rule makes the game fair and safe.
Size of the Kitchen
The kitchen is 7 feet long on each side of the net. It stretches across the whole width of the court. The width of the court is 20 feet. So, the kitchen is a 7 feet by 20 feet rectangle on each side of the net.
Here is a simple table to show the size:
| Area | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) | 7 feet | 20 feet |
| Full Court | 44 feet | 20 feet |
Where is the Kitchen Located?
The kitchen is right next to the net on both sides. It starts at the net and goes 7 feet back into each player’s court. So, there are two kitchens on the court, one for each team.
The net is 36 inches high in the center. The kitchen line is 7 feet away from the net. This line marks the kitchen’s back boundary.
Credit: pickleballcentral.com
Why is it Called the Kitchen?
The name “kitchen” comes from a similar rule in shuffleboard. In shuffleboard, the kitchen is a penalty area. In pickleball, the kitchen is also a place where players must be careful.
Some people say the name comes from cooking. Like cooking, you need soft and gentle moves in the kitchen. This means no fast volleys are allowed there.
Rules About the Kitchen
Here are the main rules about the kitchen in pickleball:
- You cannot volley the ball while standing inside the kitchen.
- Volley means hitting the ball before it bounces.
- You can step into the kitchen, but only after the ball bounces.
- If you hit the ball in the air while in the kitchen, it is a fault.
- You can have one or both feet in the kitchen if the ball bounced first.
How the Kitchen Affects the Game
The kitchen makes pickleball different from other sports. It stops players from standing close to the net and smashing the ball fast. This rule keeps the game fair and fun.
Players often use the kitchen to play soft shots. These shots are called “dinks.” Dinking is a slow, gentle hit that lands in the kitchen area. It can be tricky for the other team to return.
Can You Step in the Kitchen?
Yes, you can step into the kitchen. But be careful. You must let the ball bounce first. If you hit the ball in the air while in the kitchen, you lose the point.
Many players use quick footwork to move in and out of the kitchen. They step out before volleying the ball. This helps them avoid faults.
How to Use the Kitchen Wisely
Good players use the kitchen to control the game. They stand close to the kitchen line. This gives them a good chance to hit soft shots.
Moving fast and staying just outside the kitchen line is smart. It lets players volley the ball without fault.
Summary of Kitchen Size and Rules
To help you remember, here is a quick summary:
- Kitchen size: 7 feet from the net, 20 feet wide.
- Two kitchens: one on each side of the net.
- No volleying from inside the kitchen.
- Ball must bounce if you are inside the kitchen.
- You can stand in the kitchen but must follow the rules.
Why Is the Kitchen Important for Beginners?
Beginners often find the kitchen tricky. They want to hit the ball fast. But the kitchen rules stop this. It helps beginners learn control and patience.
Learning to play near the kitchen improves skills. Players get better at soft shots and quick moves.
Building or Marking a Kitchen
If you build a pickleball court, you must mark the kitchen well. Use a clear line 7 feet from the net. This line shows where the kitchen ends.
Good court markings help players follow the rules. It makes the game more fun and fair.
Credit: primetimepickleball.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Feet Is The Kitchen From The Net?
The kitchen in pickleball is exactly 7 feet from the net. This non-volley zone extends 7 feet on both sides.
Can You Have Two Feet In The Kitchen In Pickleball?
Yes, you can have two feet in the kitchen in pickleball. You cannot volley the ball while standing inside it. The ball must bounce first or you must step out before volleying.
What Is The Kitchen Area In Pickleball?
The kitchen in pickleball is a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. Players cannot volley here.
Why Is The Space In Pickleball Called The Kitchen?
The pickleball space called the kitchen is a seven-foot non-volley zone near the net. The name likely comes from shuffleboard, where “kitchen” means a penalty area. It encourages gentle play and prevents players from volleying too close to the net, ensuring fair gameplay.
Conclusion
The kitchen in pickleball is 7 feet by 20 feet on each side. It is an important part of the court. The kitchen stops players from volleying too close to the net.
Knowing the kitchen size and rules helps you play better. It makes pickleball safe and exciting for everyone.
So, next time you play, watch the kitchen. Step carefully and enjoy the game!