The Kitchen: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Dominate It

The Kitchen: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Dominate It

If there’s one area of the court that separates beginners from advanced players, it’s the kitchen (the non-volley zone).

It’s not just a rule area—it’s the heart of strategy.

Here’s everything you need to know about dominating the kitchen.

1. What is the Kitchen?

The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net.

You can be in the kitchen.

You can hit the ball in the kitchen.

You just can’t volley the ball while standing in it.

Simple rule. Huge strategic impact.

2. Why the Kitchen Matters

Points are won at the NVZ. Period.

When both teams are at the kitchen, the first one to pop the ball up or lose patience usually loses the rally.

Playing from the baseline is a disadvantage — you have fewer angles, less control, and less time.

3. How to Play Smart at the Kitchen

Here are the fundamentals:

Stay Low

If you’re standing tall, you’re vulnerable.

Staying low helps absorb speed-ups and stay balanced.

Soft Hands

Your goal is control, not power.

Let the ball come to you instead of meeting it with force.

Aim Crosscourt

The net is lower and the distance is longer, giving you more margin for error.

Dink With Purpose

Keep your dinks unattackable.

High margin. Low risk.

4. When to Attack

Not all high balls are equal.

Great players attack only when:

• they’re balanced

• the ball is above net height

• their opponent is off balance

• the attack is unpredictable

5. How to Defend the Kitchen

If your opponent speeds up:

• keep the paddle close to your body

• block soft into the kitchen

• stay grounded

• avoid swatting or swinging

A calm block beats a wild counter every time.

Final Takeaway

Mastering the kitchen is the fastest way to level up your pickleball game.

It’s where strategy, patience, and finesse come together.