The kitchen is pickleball's non-volley zone: the seven-foot area beside the net on each side. The restriction concerns volleys—shots you hit before the ball bounces—not simply standing there.
Can you step into the kitchen?
Yes. You can enter it to play a ball that has bounced. You cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its boundary line. After a volley, your momentum must not carry you into the zone, even if the ball is already dead.
What about the first two shots?
The receiving team lets the serve bounce. The serving team then lets the return bounce. Once those two bounces have happened, players may volley, subject to the kitchen rule.
A simple practice drill
With a partner, rally gently across the net. Say “bounce” or “volley” before each shot. Focus on whether the ball bounced and where your feet finish. Keep the pace easy enough to notice both.
Quick answers
Is the kitchen line part of the kitchen? Yes, for the non-volley rule.
Do I have to leave immediately after a bounced shot? No. You do need to establish your feet outside the zone before hitting a volley.
Where can I check the rules? See the USA Pickleball rules summary and the 2026 official rulebook. Event formats can vary; check your organizer's rules.
Written by Dink Society for players learning the game and finding their court crew.