Many sports are strange terminology Pickleball is no exception to this rule. Pickleballers all over the world can hear pickle ballers refer to “the kitchen” when they play. Some players may be confused by this term. The kitchen is another name for the area that does not serve as a volley zone. Here is some important information about this area.
No Volleying
True to its name, it is illegal to hit volleys from this area. A “volley” refers to a ball that is not bounced from the air. The non-volley line is also part of the zone. You should not volley if you are on the line, or if momentum is going to take you into the zone immediately after hitting. Many first-timers feel tempted to smash a high shot and run all the way to the net. But the kitchen was designed to stop excessive smashing. It’s not your fault if you hit a shot outside of the kitchen, but your momentum will carry you into the kitchen. The “volley” refers to the volley, follow-through, and any momentum that results from the shot.
Returning Bouncing Shots
You are allowed to hit a ball into the kitchen if the ball has bounced first on your side. Pickleballers who are skilled at low-dink shots in the kitchen can draw their opponents too close. You should not step in the way of your opponent if you want to return a shot. Again, the question is when are you allowed to enter the kitchen? You can enter the kitchen at any time, provided you don’t hit a volley in this section of a court.
Get to the Kitchen
After exchanging groundstrokes it is smart to move as quickly as possible to the kitchen line. If you spot the opportunity to move up, you should do so just behind the line. Once you have a good split step in the middle position, you are ready for whatever comes your way. Cross-court or low-bouncing dink shots can keep your opponent on their toes if they move up. Learn more about dinking by reading our article.
Shuffleboard Origins Although nobody is completely sure where the term “kitchen” originated, there are theories that the term was borrowed from the game of shuffleboard. The kitchen in shuffleboard is located behind the primary scoring areas called the “10 off” area. If landed in, it deducts ten-point. You don’t want to land in shuffleboard’s kitchen, just like you wouldn’t stand in the pickleball kitchen.
This is our attempt to teach you a lesson about pickleball’s kitchen. Pickleball’s best players are comfortable with their toes up to the no-volley line. It is therefore important to concentrate on this area to improve your game. Pickleball is more difficult when you have to use the kitchen, but it’s also a lot of fun when you can engage in long dinking rallies. Did you know there were other theories about the origin of the name? Please let us know if you have any other theories!
This post was written by Kristian D’an, a pickle pall specialist with Pickleball Connection. Pickleball Connections is a private club offering the latest news, training, sportswear, supplements, and more. For exclusive deals, and to stay up to date on everything Pickleball contact Pickleball Connections for more information
