What Is The Pickleball Kitchen Rule And How To Stop Breaking It

Barrett Kincheloearticle, Basics, beginner, Rules 241 Comments

The pickleball non-volley zone or kitchen rule is easily one of the most infamous rules in pickleball. And also one of the most hilarious. There’s nothing funnier than seeing someone volley a ball (hit it out of mid-air) while they are in the middle of the kitchen (which is a fault). Everyone yells “Kitchen!” all at once with an uproar of “Ohhhh!” or bellows of laughter.

If you’re a beginner, I’m going to give you the basics of how the kitchen works. But if you’re an advanced player, keep reading! There are a few extra details about the kitchen that you may not know yet! A lot of players are under the impression that there is only one kitchen rule to be concerned with. But it’s actually a bit more complicated than that. 

If you’re here for a quick answer, the kitchen rule states that you cannot be touching the kitchen zone or kitchen line while volleying a ball. Any object that is physically connected to you counts, including your partner. This also includes your momentum that landed you in the kitchen after volleying a ball.

Curious still? Let’s go!

Video explanation

What is the kitchen?

In pickleball, the kitchen is a colloquial term for the non-volley zone. This is a section of the court that is 7 feet away from both sides of the net and extends to each sideline. Take a look at this image:

pickleball kitchen rule

The reason why the kitchen is so well known is that it’s one of the easiest rules to break as a beginner, but also that it’s a unique rule that’s uncommon in other racket sports.

Simply put, the kitchen rule keeps people from standing at the net and smashing everything downward. Imagine if players were allowed to stand at the net while playing. The game would be unplayable. That’s what the kitchen is for.

Here’s one of the most important aspects to understand the kitchen (non-volley zone): the kitchen is the physical ground, not the space above it. It’s perfectly legal to volley a ball while your paddle is hovering over the kitchen zone, but not if you’re physically touching the ground or the line.

The kitchen rules

Alright, let’s move on to the rules!

Like I mentioned earlier, here is the main kitchen rule: You cannot be standing in, or otherwise make contact with the kitchen zone or kitchen line while volleying a ball. A volley is a fancy word for hitting the ball in mid-air before it hits the ground. This includes the initiation of a volley. Keep that word in mind as you read; it’s very important. Here’s what the rule says in the International Federation of Pickleball’s (IFP) official tournament rulebook:

“9.B. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying touches the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley line. For example, a fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, one of the player’s feet touches a non-volley line.”

That’s pretty simple, right? Just don’t hit the ball out of mid-air while your feet are in the kitchen or on the kitchen line. Easy!

However, it gets a bit more complicated than that. The rule also says “anything the player is wearing or carrying”. So yes, it’s still a fault if you drop your paddle in the kitchen after you’ve volleyed the ball, even if you’re outside the kitchen. But it can be anything that is physically attached to you. You’ll get called on a fault if your hat falls off, or even if your keys fall out of your pocket or anything similar. This also includes anything that happens via momentum. As the IFP rulebook says:

“9.C. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player’s momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line. It is a fault if the player’s momentum causes the player to touch anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. It is a fault even if the ball is declared dead before the player touches the non-volley zone.”

I’ve made this mistake before. I was standing about 1 inch away from the kitchen line when I reached for a ball far into the kitchen and volleyed the ball. However, I lost my balance and I placed my paddle on the ground in the kitchen in order to keep my feet from going in. I called a fault on myself though, because the momentum from the volley is what made me touch the kitchen. Whoops!

This also includes balls that are declared dead. So if you’re in a tournament, just don’t ever walk into the kitchen even if it’s a dead ball.

Keep in mind, it’s OK if you volley a ball standing outside the kitchen, while the paddle is over the line in mid-air. The kitchen is the flat, marked area on the ground, not the air above it. Excluding one rule, which is next.

Remember: the kitchen rule only applies to balls that have been volleyed. If the ball has bounced already, the kitchen rules no longer apply to that particular case.

Getting complicated

Here’s another important part that often gets missed:

“9.D. A fault will be declared if the player violates the intent of the non-volley zone rule. All volleys must be initiated outside of the non-volley zone. A maneuver such as standing within the non-volley zone, jumping up to hit a volley, and then landing outside the non-volley zone is prohibited. If a player has touched the non-volley zone for any reason, that player cannot volley the return until both feet have made contact with the playing surface completely outside the non-volley zone.”

This is where things get a little weird and become hard to judge. Basically, you cannot be standing in the kitchen zone, jump up to volley the ball without your feet touching the ground, then land outside the kitchen. Here’s that “initiate” word that I told you about at the beginning of the article. You cannot initiate a volley while being in the kitchen, whether you’re physically touching the ground, or if you were touching the ground when you started the volley.

This means that you can’t be standing in the kitchen, jump up to volley a ball, then land outside the kitchen. Fault!

In order to safely volley the ball after being in the kitchen, you must reset your stance outside the kitchen first before initiating the stroke.

What you CAN do in the kitchen

Before we continue, if you want to learn how to get to the kitchen quickly and effectively, make sure you check out this article on how to do so.

Whatever you want! As long as you’re not initiating or volleying a ball.

It’s very common to see players hop into the kitchen to return a short dink. This is fine, as long as the ball has bounced first. You have to be careful with this though because if you’re sitting in the kitchen then you’re also a sitting duck. The reason is that if you’re standing in the kitchen, then any volley you make is automatically a fault. But in order for you to not volley the ball, you’ll have to let it go, or hope it bounces first. In other words, you’re in an impossible situation. If you have to go into the kitchen, get out as soon as you can!

Once you begin to play pickleball more, you’ll feel like the kitchen is some type of pit of endless lava. That can help to get you out of the kitchen if you have to go in, but don’t be afraid of it though! You can perform groundstrokes in the kitchen as much as you want. Just wait for them to bounce, stay calm, step forward, and make a balanced and calculated stroke.

Toeing the line

With all that said, you’re probably wondering, “Where should I stand if the kitchen is so dangerous?”

Where you stand on the court will change depending on what’s going on with the game, but in general, you want to be as close to the kitchen as possible without being on the line. This is especially true during a consistent dinking rally. This is a concept called “toeing the line”.

I got this from Sarah Ansboury, a professional pickleball player who has made a huge name for herself. Toeing the line simply means that your feet are lined up just a few inches behind the kitchen line. This assures that you’re as close to the kitchen as possible without going in.

Believe me, this takes practice, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s very easy to lose your sense of where the kitchen is while playing. But eventually, as you play more, you’ll be able to “feel” an imaginary wall in front of you that will mentally keep you from going in. It takes practice, but it will come.

If you’re a beginner, try to focus on running up to the kitchen line as much as possible. This is not only the correct way to play the game, but it’s also going to give you better practice when dealing with the kitchen rules.

Wrapping up

Knowing all the rules about the kitchen is important, especially if you’re going to be playing in tournaments. As usual, leave a comment down below and let me know if you have any questions.

Comments 241

  1. “Great breakdown of the kitchen rule! One thing I’d add is that sometimes, strategically stepping just inside the kitchen can be a great way to surprise your opponent with a sneaky dink. But you gotta be ready to get back out fast!”

  2. My answer to the following is at the end of the following;

    “9.C. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player’s momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line. It is a fault if the player’s momentum causes the player to touch anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. It is a fault even if the ball is declared dead before the player touches the non-volley zone.”

    Nothing matters after the player volleys the ball and his obvious MOMENTUM causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line.

    The key is the obvious “MOMENTUM” of that player as observed by the opposing players. That is because at that moment he was leaning in too far nearest the net to make his volley an advantage for him. It was an illegal advantage to hit a volley on the edge of being too close to the net. An instant fault whether the obvious MOMENTUM was quick or delayed. It does not matter what happens after that. He simply hit an illegal volley. Anything considered an illegal hit in the rally is a loss of the rally for that side.

    End of story.

  3. If I hit a legal volley outside the nvz and while I am trying to gain my balance to keep from falling in the nvz, the ball is quickly returned to my partner who also quickly returns it (quick short volleys) then I fall forward and go into the nvz is that a fault?

    1. yes neither of you can be in kitchen during a volley..the kitchen rule states that you cannot be touching the kitchen zone or kitchen line while volleying a ball. Any object that is physically connected to you counts, including your partner.

  4. If I hit a legal volley out of nvz and I am trying to keep from falling into the nvz and the ball is quickly returned and then also very quickly returned by my partner ( close fast shots back and forth) and I then I fall into the nvz. Is that a violation if it has been hit twice since my shot and before i actually fault?

    1. If I return a shot that lands past the kitchen line but has already bounced…am I allowed to follow through into the kitchen

  5. I understand that if momentum carries you into the kitchen after you have returned the ball, it is a fault. However, what ends the period by which you cannot enter the kitchen on momentum after you’ve hit the ball? Is it when the ball strikes the ground, or when the player hits the ball back, or some other action? Can you please clarify ?

    Thank you.

    1. If you make any contact with the kitchen area after hitting a volley the play is dead for that point/serve at that point in time.

    2. Reasonable people would say its ok after ball bounces but that’s not the rule. You simply cannot enter kitchen after volley. If you or your partner does its a foul. There is no period when its over you cannot enter it period when volleying a ball..

  6. I’ve been playing for 6 months and my game has improved where I’m now playing at a 4.0 level. However I’m still stepping on kitchen line when hitting shots on the fly 2-3 times a game. How can I get out of this habit?

  7. I have been playing for 6 months and my game has improved where I’m now playing at a 4.0 level. However I’m still stepping on kitchen line when hitting shots on the fly 2-3 times a game. How can I get out of this habit?

  8. Hello

    I am looking for some clarification regarding stepping into the NVZ after dinking a ball.

    This is the scenario. You managed to return the the ball by dinking and then start waiving your arms to keep some balance and prevent you to get into the kitchen, and right after the ball is hit back your court, you falls into the kitchen.

    Is this a fault?

    Thanks,

    1. Assuming you mean a volley, when dunking, then YES this is a fault.
      Rules are clear that your momentum can’t bring you into the kitchen, even if ball is dead before you step into the kitchen.

  9. This may be knit picking. I don’t see anything in rules indicating when I can go back into kitchen after volleying ball. Scenario: I am NOT in the kitchen and I volley a ball back to my opponent. The opponent strikes the ball back to my patner. I now step from NOT being in the kitchen into the kitchen. Is that a fault ? If it is, when can I go back into the kitchen after my volley ? After my partner makes contact with ball? Opponent fault ? dead ball ? Obviously, if ball bounces in my kitchen I can go into kitchen.

    1. Making contact with the kitchen after volleying a ball is only a fault if your momentum from volleying the ball “carried” you in. It’s not based on time, and it also doesn’t matter whether an opponent has played the ball yet or not, but it’s typically no more than one second that you cannot enter the kitchen after volleying a ball. Simply walking into the kitchen at any point after you’re no longer being carried by your volley-related momentum is not a fault.

  10. If I am in the NVZ and allow the ball to bounce, can I then hit it overhand or must it be returned underhand?

  11. Don’t know if this was answered already but, today while playing, my opponent hit a ball back, while i’m running up to it towards the NVZ to hit it back and at the last second decided not too, my momentum made me go in the kitchen the ball landed out. Is that considered a fault on me?

  12. skipping all the comments so this may be a redundant question. can i get a running start and jump before the kitchen, kinda like a michael jordan dunk after he leaves the foul line, hit the ball, presumably within the plain of the kitchen or anywhere else, and land feet first in the kitchen? does it matter if the ball has cleared the net before my feet touch? technically as the rule is stated, the volley was ‘initiated’ at the beginning of the act of the leap…i’m gonna go with once a player is in the air, the act of volleying has been initiated…it could be a second or two that the paddle actually connects with the ball…do you see what i am trying to say?

    1. 9.C. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player’s momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line. It is a fault if the player’s momentum causes the player to touch anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. It is a fault even if the ball is declared dead before the player touches the non-volley zone.”

    2. No, if you finish the volley by landing any bit of you in the kitchen, it’s a fault. The only (!) way to do what you describe (jump from behind the kitchen line and hit a volley while floating over the kitchen!) is to land that jump with both feet outside of the kitchen.
      How? Well, think of your opponent hitting a very good shot (or dink) as a cross court to the very side line. You, awesome athlete, leap from behind the kitchen line, volley smash the flying ball AND land both feet outside of the court (say, near the net post!). Of course, your hit better be a darn good put away, or your partner will certainly be left alone to get any return in time because you are way out of position from your “corner of the kitchen” spanning leap.

  13. I played for the first time today with some friends who are new to the game as well. If I return a serve, is it a fault if the ball bounced in the kitchen or is the ball still in play? Also, do both players on the returning team have to be behind the out of bounds line at the time of the serve?

    1. If a serve is returned into the kitchen it’s a ‘live’ ball. Not only is it ‘live’ it’s a great return since you and your partner (who served from your side) are standing back to make sure the ball bounces before you hit it. Play by professionals is mostly done with the ball bouncing in the kitchen. This takes a lot of control and finesse that I’m struggling with.
      You can stand anywhere on the court when your partner is serving. Just make sure your position allows the ball to bounce before returning.

  14. I apologize if this has been asked already…
    If a ball bounces outside of the kitchen and upon striking the ball your momentum carries you into the kitchen, Is this a legal shot or a fault? What rule would be applicable? Thank you

    1. Legal shot Chris, the ball bounced so no kitchen rules apply. And you can go into the kitchen to hit the ball before it bounces, just make sure it bounces. And once you hit a ball that has bounced and you are in the kitchen, you do not need to get out of the kitchen, you just cant hit the ball again from the kitchen unless it bounces. You are a sitting duck but it is not against the rules to stay in the kitchen 🙂

      1. My question is not about volleying in the kitchen but I’m curious as to why the serve can touch any other line but not the kitchen line. I am also a tennis player and a serve can touch all lines in the service box. I wish this was a consistent rule in pickleball as far as lines go.

        1. There is discussion with rules committe about nvz line being “in” for a serve.

          Maybe 2024? Maybe never. 😉

        2. It actually is consistent depending on how you think about it. On all the outer court lines being on the line is in. Being on the kitchen line is in….the kitchen. The difficulty is that both sides of the kitchen line are “in” under the right conditions.

      1. No, not a momentum fault because it was not a volley. The ball bounced. You just need to establish both feet out of the kitchen before you can volley any returns.

    2. 9.C. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player’s momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line. It is a fault if the player’s momentum causes the player to touch anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. It is a fault even if the ball is declared dead before the player touches the non-volley zone.”

    3. Chris, that is a fault and is directly stated in the rules. If you, or anything of yours (racquet or hat, say) fall into the NVZ as you complete the stroke, it’s a fault.

  15. Help! I see that my opponent’s shot is going to land close to the net on my side of the kitchen, can I step into the non-volley zone and wait for it to bounce before I return it, or do I have to wait outside of the non-volley zone until it bounces?

    1. According to the rules, you can wait in the kitchen. If a ball comes your way make sure it bounces before you hit it .the kitchen is not the best place to wait for a return.

    2. I keep seeing all of these expert explanation sites continue to post ‘that you can’t be standing in the kitchen until the ball has bounced’.

      An opponent hits a high looping ball that is clearly going to land in the NVZ. You step into the kitchen, waiting several seconds for the ball to fall. It bounces in the kitchen, and then, while you’re still standing in the NVZ, you smash it over the net into your opponents court.

      Will I not be awarded the point because I was in the NVZ before the ball bounced?

  16. Can your partner grab you to keep you falling into the kitchen on a volley? Partner assist to avoid fault?

  17. I just started learning this game. I have heard from this site that the kitchen of off limits, period. Well, I Just watched the world Pickleball championship Cassidy/Winarto vs Stone/Moore Day 2 in 2019. 3 of 4 players entered and hit the ball while in the kitchen during one volley point. No faults called. What gives?

    1. Post
      Author

      I’ve said nothing about the kitchen being off-limits. You can be in the kitchen as long as you’re not volleying the ball either presently, in the past (based on a balanced position), or in the future (also based on a balanced position). The only thing you can’t do with the kitchen is to be in that zone while volleying the shot. As explained in the article, there are some nuances to it. When it comes to that game you watched, the ball had probably bounced first.

    2. i have a hard time understanding why one should play flush up against kitchen line. too often i have balls hit over my head. why not stand back a bit to better handle both returns? we are all intermediate players, some of course better than others. what is big advantage of flush? thanks much. eliot

      1. Good question! The answer given to me is that once you start sitting further back, good players will just pound the ball at your feet. You’ll find it much harder to dink good shots over the net from there as well. Just like in tennis… it’s not good form to be in the middle. Better to “toe the line”. Lobs are not common. They need to be perfect to score. Many times they are too long or come up too short (For you to SLAM!). The court is generally small enough to get back quickly to make a play on a good lob.

    3. If the ball bounces in the kitchen before you step in the kitchen to hit it then you can go into the kitchen to hit the ball, I hope that answers your question

      1. If the ball bounces in the kitchen AFTER you step in, you can hit it also.

        Doesn’t matter if you precede or follow the ball into NVZ, as long as it bounces before you touch it.

        Seems to be challenging concept for beginners.

    4. Please, pay attention. The only thing you can’t do is volley the ball while in the kitchen. If you want, you can sit in the kitchen and wait for a shot to return as long as it bounces first. Obviously a dumb thing to do but, there is no rule about being in the kitchen as long as you don’t make contact (either voluntarily or not) with the ball before it bounces.
      Hope this clears up the kitchen rule.

  18. If I hit a game winning volley that is not returnable, game is instantly over, right? But what if I then carelessly step into the kitchen? Does it matter if it is momentum? How many seconds, or minutes do I have to wait to step into the kitchen? This happened 2 days ago. I was right on the line and could have held my momentum back, but didn’t because game was over. Someone said it was a fault…
    I’d love an answer. Thanks!

    1. Post
      Author

      If your momentum from the shot takes you into the kitchen, then it is indeed a fault. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. When it no longer becomes a fault is when you’ve regained your balance, and thus the momentum is no longer a factor.

    2. It is a bad idea to immediatly step into the Kitchen after a Volly. You should demonstrate a stable balanced position outside the kitchen. Usually this is obvious after a second or two.

    3. It is a bad idea to immediatly step into the Kitchen after a Volly. You should demonstrate a stable balanced position outside the kitchen. Usually this is obvious after a second or two. By the way with a volly the game / point is not over until you have demonstrated balance outside the Kitchen ( Officially called the Non Volly Zone).

  19. If a ball is obviously going to land in the kitchen can you enter the kitchen BEFORE it hits the ground as long as you don’t hit it until AFTER it lands in the kitchen — ie you’re standing in the kitchen waiting for it to hit the ground?

    1. You can enter the kitchen if you’re not volleying (hitting the ball on the fly), and this applies even if the ball has not yet bounced on your side yet. These rules ought to set out the parameters:
      9. E. A player may enter the non-volley zone at any time except
      when that player is volleying the ball.
      9. F. A player may enter the non-volley zone before or after
      returning any ball that bounces.
      9. G. A player may stay inside the non-volley zone to return a
      ball that has bounced. There is no violation if a player does
      not exit the non-volley zone after hitting a ball that
      bounces.

  20. whoever wrote the kitchen rule seems to have a weird sense of reality. If you have returned a ball and both your feet were outside of the kitchen (touching the ground) why should it matter if you go into the kitchen after the ball has crossed the net to the other side? How are you supposed to police whether the person returning the ball has stopped all forward momentum then proceeds forward and steps into the kitchen? No wonder there are so many questions about the kitchen area.

    1. The rule makes sense to me, although I have yet to play. The rule is simply to keep the barbarians from storming the castle during the serve and returns. Just stay out of the kitchen while the other team is cooking (volleying) – even chef’s would agree to that!

    2. Like Uncle Wannio is getting at, I think the rule applies to someone that leaps over the line to crush a serve or volley.

    3. The momentum rule is important to maintain the integrity of the Non Volly Zone (Kitchen). Otherwise players would just rush jump into the NVZ and smash it.
      It is your job as a player to demonstrate a balanced position toeing the line outside the NVZ after a volly. It only takes a second or two. Besides uproarious laughter ensues after watching a player pinwheeling at the line and then falling in.

  21. You volley the ball and are struggling to maintaining your balance and stay out of the kitchen, IF after the opposing team hits the ball back can the player then let his momentum carry him/her into the kitchen. Basically when is it no longer momentum that takes you into the kitchen. Because you are allowed to go into the kitchen and wait for the ball to bounce then at what point is it no longer momentum??

    1. What is the answer to this? If the other team hits it back and then your momentum carries you from your previous shot, is that a fault.? It happened to us today

    2. Momentum is a term of physics and is used in that sense here. If you volly the ball and you can’t stop yourself from going in the NVZ (Kitchen) and you can’t jump completely over the NVZ (Known as an Ernie) then you lose the point. It doesnt natter what happens later.

  22. Hello Barrett – enjoyed your video. Im new to the game and have a question – is it a fault if a returned serve lands in the kitchen? Thanx.

  23. One of the people I play with has the habit of standing just outside the kitchen line, hitting a volley flat footed, and then shuffling his feet into the kitchen. Is this considered momentum? Is it a fault?

  24. This statement is misleading – “It’s very common to see players hop into the kitchen to return a short dink. This is fine, as long as the ball has bounced first.”
    You can hop into the kitchen any time – including before it bounces if you see it’s going to be a short shot. Can you correct that? The phrasing sounds like you cannot step in until the ball bounces, and I got a question about it.

    1. I completely agree with Ana….

      Rule 9.F. A player may enter the non-volley zone before or after returning any ball that bounces.

      There is NO need to wait for the ball to bounce before entering the NVZ, please correct.

    2. Hi Ana, I see your point.

      The wording is slightly confusing.

      “It’s very common to see players hop into the kitchen to return a short dink. This is fine, as long as the ball has bounced first.”

      I interpret it as “It’s very common to see players hop into the kitchen to return a short dink. It is fine to return a ball from the kitchen as long as the ball has bounced first.”

      I don’t think the statement is talking about not being able to be in the kitchen until the ball bounces. If you are in the kitchen, however, this gives your team the ability to whiz the ball past you knowing that you are not allowed to hit it.

  25. An OUT call before the ball bounces is partner communication and is not a line call. An OUT call can only be made after the ball bounces.

    So if I call a ball out BEFORE it hits the ground, (trying to warn my partner that I think it is going to be out), but it bounces on the line and he hits it and calls it IN, he wants the point to continue. But the opposing team says it is their point because we disagreed on the call. Because I called it out before the ball hit the ground, it is considered communication only, and the opponents cannot claim the point because I called the ball out. Correct? (I am trying to warn my partner with the word “bounce” instead of “out”, but once in a while, I forget and call “out” instead.)

      1. yes, you can stand in the kitchen while the other team serves, but if the server is smart, s/he will hit it right at you. If you can sidestep, then the serve is wide & you put the server out. BUT…if the ball hits you, it’s a point for the serving team.

    1. Find new opponents. There’s more dinks on your court than necessary 😉

      There’s discussion of rule change to ensure players don’t call “out” before ball lands … but in the meantime, you are correct, they are wrong.

      Your “out” wasn’t a line call. If they insist it was, just tell your partner to agree with you. The fact that he hit the ball doesn’t change the call and it’s now your point! Of course that increases the number of dinks again 😉.

      Like you, I’m trying to say “no” or “bounce it”. Eliminates the confusion.

  26. Are you allowed to hit the ball on the side of the Kitchen, from outside the court? There is no imaginary kitchen stretching out sideways right?

  27. Our opponents hit a shot that bounces OUTSIDE the kitchen line. Am I allowed to step INTO the kitchen while returning the shot, ie. I step in sideways with my left shoulder aimed at my opponent on the same side of the court, & reaching back, hit the ball which has first bounced OUTSIDE the kitchen. Since it has bounced, I would think my being in the kitchen when I hit it is legal (I did NOT volley the ball while standing in the kitchen, it had already bounced on the court but outside the kitchen).

    1. Post
      Author

      It doesn’t matter where the ball bounces. It only matters if the ball has bounced or not. Once the ball has bounced, the kitchen rule is no longer applied.

  28. 1. I return an overhead (Volley) from way back and keep running into the kitchen. Clearly, momentum didn’t carry me into the kitchen. Is this a fault?

    2. I return a volley from just outside the kitchen, make 2-3 steps before stepping into it. Fault?

    When is it considered that I reset my stance? number of steps? number of seconds?

    Thanks

    1. Good question. It seems no one has an answer. This happened to me yesterday. I took a volley at the back line and started running towards the kitchen. I could have easily stopped at the kitchen line except that the opponent dropped it close to net. So I went in the kitchen to pick the ball (which was fine as the ball had bounced), but my opponent said it was a fault because I used the momentum of the volley at the back line and came in the kitchen. I wish USAPA would come with a clear answer regarding reset.

    2. Once you volley a ball you or any part of you cannot go into the kitchen whether momentum carries you into the kitchen or whether you step into the kitchen. If your toe is on the kitchen line and you volley it is a fault, even though there was no momentum carrying into the kitchen. However, if you volley the ball mid court, the opponent returns a ball that bounces in the kitchen, then you can step in the kitchen

    1. Post
      Author
    2. I would add that they can do that as long as they themselves are not in a NVZ. Is that right?

  29. Question if I am out of the kitchen and hit the ball coming over the net in the air and I land and my foot is over the kitchen line but not touching it is it a fault? another words that old portion of my shoe is over the line but because of the curl of the shoe it is not touching

    1. The NVZ rules only apply to surface contact not the space above the line or NVZ area. However, if I were your opponent and it appeared to me that you were on the line from my vantage point, I would call a fault.

  30. Can you volley a ball then to avoid stepping in the kitchen, jump over the corner of the kitchen and land out of bounds and not be considered a fault?

      1. Same question…

        Also, do you have to be “in bounds” before volleying the ball (and not in the kitchen)? I.e. can you start out of bounds and jump over a corner back in bounds while volleying? This is the opposite direction of the previous question…

    1. 9.C. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player’s momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line….

      Are the court boundaries considered non volley lines? If out-of-bounds is a NVZ (which IDK if it is), then it would make sense that you would not be able to do what you are asking.

  31. Hi. Just finished playing. Major controversy!! My teammate returned a bounced ball from the area of dead man zone and continued into the kitchen everyone yelled fault!!! I’m like. It bounced. Everyone said. Nope can’t go into the kitchen after returning a bounced ball outa the kitchen. Makes no sense to me. Please clarify. Thanks.

    1. Question:
      You hit a groundstroke but your momentum from the shot carries you into the non-volley zone. Is this a fault?
      Answer:
      Regardless of where the ball bounces on the court — as long as it bounces first — your momentum from hitting your groundstroke can, indeed, carry you into the Non-Volley Zone without penalty. Click here to see confirmation from our friends at the USAPA. Just don’t hit a volley on your next shot while in the kitchen! 😉

    2. If the ball bounced, you can step in the kitchen. You are correct: it is not a fault. Only if your partner had volleyed the ball and stepped in the kitchen it would have been a fault.

    3. I believe you be in or go in the kitchen anytime you want as long as you don’t volley while in the kitchen

      1. Can you go into the kitchen before the ball bounces it there because you know it will bounce in there and you want to be close enough to hit it?

      2. Can you go into the kitchen before the ball bounces it there because you know it will bounce in there and you want to be close enough to hit it?

  32. So after hitting a volley, when can you step into the kitchen – if you can’t even after the ball is dead?

    1. So I hit a volley and opponent returns it, at what point can I step into the kitchen? After it bounces on opponents side or after opponent hits it as a volley or not until it has been returned and crosses the net or not until it bounces on my side? I understand if my volley is a winner I can’t step into the kitchen until the next ball is served (I am assuming ball is ‘dead’ from end of last point until the next serve).

    2. My understanding is that it hinges upon your momentum, as judged by continuous movement. If you volley it and continue into the kitchen, it is a fault, even if it has bounced twice or if it is volleyed back by the opposing player by the time you reach the kitchen. But if you have clearly stopped your momentum after a volley, you should be able to enter the kitchen again whether or not the ball is dead. For example, if you hit a hard volley to the back court, and your opponent hits a high lob back that will land in your kitchen near the net, you can step into the kitchen AS LONG AS it is clear that your entering the kitchen is not a continuation of your motion toward the net from your volley. (Different views, anyone?)

      I think that my only remaining question would be: Suppose that you hit a volley from well behind the kitchen line, and your opponent, just behind his kitchen line, drops it with a soft volley back into your kitchen where the ball bounces for the first time in the sequence. If you are still moving forward with momentum from your volley shot, can you step into the kitchen AFTER it has bounced in your kitchen for a groundstroke save? (Not a common scenario, but perhaps plausible?)

  33. Ball hit over net on return both players swing at ball player one hits ball over net his partner strikes the back of his paddle but did not hit the ball but stepped into the kitchen. Is this a fault

  34. Both players are outside the kitchen when the ball is returned in the air down the middle. Both players attempt to volley the ball and their paddles make contact as the ball is hit. Player one’s paddle is in front and strikes the ball and they stay outside the kitchen; however player two’s momentum takes them into the kitchen on the follow through. I’m thinking it’s a fault since there was contact between the players (paddles).
    Fault on not?
    Thanks!

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    2. Player who did not hit the ball is only one who stepped into kitchen player who struck ball does not go into kitchen

      1. A player on team A steps on the kitchen line after hitting a volley. Team B calls a fault but team A denies stepping in the kitchen line. With no referee who’s call is correct?

        Thx

  35. I read about half the questions and responses and couldn’t find an answer to this yet. My question is about SERVICE on the kitchen LINE. My understanding is that during normal game play the lines surrounding the kitchen are a part of the kitchen. But on a service, how does that work? For example, I serve over the net and it lands ON the kitchen line. Is that serve good or a fault? If it had landed inside the kitchen it’s a fault. But all other lines are “in”. So this is confusing to me.

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      Thanks for your comment. I understand your confusion. Let me help clear it up. A line on the pickleball court is a part of whatever section it’s assigned to. As an example, the kitchen line is assigned to the kitchen, therefore it is a part of the kitchen. Similar to how baseball fields have an outfield warning track that’s a different material and color, pickleball colors have lines to symbolize that the court or section of the court is about to end.

      Since you can’t sever the ball into the kitchen, then you can also not serve on the line since the kitchen line is apart of the kitchen.

      Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIqZCgR6_hQ

  36. Can you drop your paddle into the kitchen? For example. I hit the ball from “no man’s land” and the ball goes over the net but my paddle flies out of my hand and land in the nvz.

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  37. I’m in the kitchen and the ball has bounced once in the kitchen……I return the ball and the opposition returns with a dink to my team member who returns with a dink. During this entire play I’m still in the kitchen. Is this a fault?

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      No, because the ball has bounced. The kitchen rule only applies to balls hit that haven’t bounced.

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          1. Barrett,

            I think you should mention that you can be in the kitchen at anytime you’d like….you just can’t volley in the kitchen. I see people all the time trying to volley on a bounced ball in the kitchen while keeping “OUT” of the kitchen at the same time. You likely have covered this….but on this particular question, I could tell that is what the questioner (Bill) was getting at….doesn’t really have to do with the “overhead” hitting of the ball….which would be very unlikely unless you were very short.

            Dan

          2. Didn’t mean “volley” in the last comment…just hit the ball off the bounce when the ball landed in the kitchen (NVZ).

            Dan

          3. One simple question – Realizing I cannot volley from the kitchen and also knowing it would be unwise to position myself in the kitchen during play for obvious reasons, is there any rule stipulating I cannot stand in the kitchen?

        2. If you know that the ball will bounce short in the kitchen, step in early and be ready for it before the ball bounces. Do this especially if you think the ball will bounce higher than the net.

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        That’s a fault. The ball cannot touch the kitchen on a serve, and that includes the line.

  38. We are hoping to get our club to instal 10 & UNDER PERMANENT GREEN LINE TAPES to a har-tru court. Can this court still be used for tennis league play? Much pushback from tennis community, so trying to accommodate both sports. Any solutions? Not financially feasible to build separate PB court yet.

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  39. Whose responsibility is it to call a fault at the kitchen line. If the person doing the volley and didn’t realize his foot was on or over the kitchen line, can the opponent call it and the call stick. If the player doing the fault didn’t know he did and doesn’t believe the opponent’s call and his partner didn’t see it, can the player contest it? What is the rule for calling the fault when the player didn’t know he did it and the opponent saw it?
    Thank you

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      Yes, the opponent can absolutely call that in a rec game. But that’s typically not allowed in tournament play. During a tournament, the referee is the one that calls the faults and the player can’t do anything about that. But in rec play, just be honest!

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      1. If you hit a volley (hit the ball before it bounces) and then the play is over (the ball is dead). When CAN you legally go into the kitchen? Only after the start of the next point?

  40. I volleyed the ball 10’ back from the nvz line. I haven’t touched the ball since ( my partner has played the ball since my volley). If i enter the kitchen is it a fault?

    1. Can you ever just stand in the kitchen during play?
      Someone I play with said it’s ok to stand in the kitchen, but you still have to wait for the ball to bounce first.
      I may not see your response, could you send me your answer to my email! [email protected], patiently waiting for a reply ????????

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        Author

        Yes, you can just stand in the kitchen, but it’s not a good idea. If someone hits a ball directly at you and you hit it without bouncing, it’ll be a fault automatically.

        1. Barret, If you have one foot on the kitchen line and the ball is returned to you and it bounces outside the kitchen and you return it, is this a fault or a fair play?

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            Remember that the kitchen rule applies to balls that have not bounced. If the ball bounces, the kitchen rules no longer apply for that shot.

      2. Interesting I was told today that if standing in kitchen, ball bounces you hit it
        It is your loss of point? What

        My understanding is you can be in kitchen anytime.. let ball bounce first
        Ok!
        You hit it after bounces does not matter if in kitchen before bounces!
        Confirm correct
        Thanks!
        Jody

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      Author

      If the momentum of your swing brought you into the kitchen, then it’s a fault. However, if you have fully reset your stance, then you can go in without a fault.

      1. Why would it be a fault if the ball had bounced? You consistently say the kitchen rules don’t apply after a bounce? I’m now confused.

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          The example that I was replying to was a question about a volley and the momentum, not the ball bouncing. Rest assured, the kitchen rule does not matter for balls that have bounced.

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  41. If you volley the ball from outside the kitchen it lands on the opposite side and the your momentum has brought you into the kitchen after the bounce on the other side, is it still a fault?

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  42. If the ball is dinked over the net into your kitchen and bounces….is it legal to go to one knee to return the ball?

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  43. We play without umpires. Is there any rule about who can call a kitchen foul? we play that only the side that has made the foul can call it. The opposing team can’t make the call. Is there any rule ????

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      The opposing team can absolutely make that call. It’s a grey area though and people don’t like it. This is why most people only play tournaments with certified referees.

  44. A volley was returned and bounced and rolled out of bounds, I turned and my heal crossed into the kitchen and I was called for a fault.
    Just rec play but when is a dead ball dead.
    Thanks

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      This is a great question and I’m looking to do a video on weird sections of the rules like this. Stay tuned on my YouTube channel for that one. But in rec play, no one should ever call something like this. It’s a bit extreme in my opinion.

      1. Rules say for a fault to occur the “momentum” of the swing carries you into the NVZ. Simple stepping into the zone later would not apply

  45. We had this happen recently, I played a volley and dropped my paddle into the kitchen. I immediately called a foul on myself. All of us were at the net and my volley was returned very quickly to my partner. If the ball had been returned to my side of the net before I lost control of my paddle, would it still have been a fault? I felt it would be since the momentum of my swing caused me to drop the paddle but my playing partners thought that if the ball was still alive and came back to our side first, it would be no different than if a player was standing in the kitchen while his partner played a shot.

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      Yes, it would have still been a fault. It’s all about whether or not that volley motion is what brought you into the kitchen. If it was, then a dead ball is declared and the fault is “administered” so to speak. Does that make sense? In order for it to not be a fault, you have to fully reset your stance. It’s a bit of a grey area, but I hope it answers your question!

  46. My opponent hits a severe back spin shot, the ball lands in the kitchen of our court (very close to the net) then bounces backwards to the opponents’ court over the net due to the back spin. I know that I can step into the kitchen since the ball lands first. My question is can I hit the ball over the opponent court since the ball bounces backwards, as long as I don’t touch the net? Thank you!

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      Yes, you can. But make sure that you actually hit the ball. If you cross the plane of the net but don’t make contact with the ball, it’s a fault on you.

  47. Question: Player A is at the kitchen line and returns a volley by slamming it to the opponent court. The shot is “in” and the opponent was not able to return the shot. Player A then went to turn around and stepped into the kitchen, is this a fault seeing it wasn’t momentum that took him/her into the kitchen? The use of momentum was a big debate when this scenario occurred. Your opinion is appreciated.

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      Sorry Aleta, I missed your question on accident.

      I have seen this kind of situation pop up, but it’s rare. If momentum is what caused you to fall into the kitchen then it’s a fault. However, if you reset your stance completely then step into the kitchen, then it’s not a fault. Hope that helps!

  48. Hi, I’m serving the ball into my opponents court, can the return serve bounce in the kitchen otr does it have to be returned outside of the kitchen?

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      Hey Pati, the return serve can land anywhere on the opponent’s side of the court as long as it’s in.

  49. While straddling the kitchen line (one foot in, one foot out) can you lift the “in” foot and hit a volley? Would you have established yourself as “outside” the kitchen by purposely standing on a single foot? I have never seen this happen but I haven’t been playing long. Thank you in advance for your help.

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      No, you can’t have your foot physically on the kitchen line or ground, lift your foot, then volley. You have to establish yourself fully outside the kitchen before you can volley. However, you can hover your foot over the kitchen as much as you want. Just can’t make contact if you want to volley.

  50. Our opponent today told me that after I legally played a bounced ball from inside the kitchen, I have to be out of the kitchen BEFORE the opponents return shot comes back over the net. True?

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      Well, it’s not a rule that you have to get out of the kitchen, however, you certainly want to. You never want to be standing in the kitchen if you can’t help it.

    2. If an apponent lopes a high volley and you can see it is going land in the kitchen can you go into the kitchen wait for the bounce and hit the ball back to any area of the oppositions side of the court

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  51. My partner was outside the kitchen, made a great return that bounced on the other side and then bounced a second time. His momentum then carried him into the kitchen well after the point was won. What’s the ruling?

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      I’m assuming that his return was a volley. If the momentum was caused by the volley, then that’s a fault, regardless of whether it was a dead ball or not.

  52. I don’t understand the dead ball kitchen rule. If it hits a player and the point is over, how can a fault be called? Point is over. If not, then how long do you have to wait? Was playing, hit a volley, hit the person and I tripped over my feet. I took two steps and then fell. My opponent said that it was a fault because my momentum, no matter how long it took carried me into the kitchen.

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      Hey Tony, great question.

      A dead ball just means that whatever has happened on the court has stopped play. Most of the times, it’s a fault that causes this. However, the kitchen rules don’t obey this.

      Your opponent is correct. It is a fault on you because your shot was the first one made. And no matter what happens after the ball is declared dead, the kitchen rule still applies. In order to reset the kitchen rule, you must plant both feet outside the kitchen in order to have it reset.

      It always has to be a fault in cases like this. The reason is that if this was allowed, then people would jump into the kitchen and purposely hit people all day. And that’s just not how they want the game to be played.

      Great question though. This is a slightly grey area of the rules that the rulebook doesn’t explain very well. Hope that helps!

      1. He said that he took 2 steps and it sounds like they were outside of the kitchen so that would count as a reset

        1. Frank to steps is not considered a stop of momentum. One must regain one’s balance with both feet planted.

  53. I have a question? Since you state the kitchen is the line and not the space above it, so why can you lean over the kitchen and volley a ball in the air, and you can’t jump outside the kitchen, volley a ball in mid air, land, and get out of the kitchen? Makes no sense if the paddle connected to you is over the space in the kitchen, which, isn’t the kitchen is ok, but jumping doing the same thing with the paddle in the exact position as if standing and leaning is a foul.

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      I’m not entirely understanding your question.

      Are you asking that since you can stand at the kitchen, lean over and hit the ball over the kitchen, then why can you not stand in the kitchen, jump out, hit the ball, then land outside? Is that correct?

      First, remember that the kitchen is not just the line, it’s the entire rectangle. I think that may be where you’re confused.

      Second, the reason why you can’t be in the kitchen before, during, or after you hit the ball is that it gives you an unfair advantage that is hard to control with rules. The USAPA has to make sure that the game is played fairly in order to make it fun for everyone. So making the rules very strict like this, even if they don’t make sense, is the only way to ensure that the game is played fairly.

      But also, standing at the kitchen line, leaning over and hitting the ball is not the same as jumping out of the kitchen since you’re closer to the net and thus have a better angle and a greater advantage.

      Let me know if that answers your question. Thanks!

  54. TIM Hi new to pickleball , just wanting to understand , any ball that lands outside the kitchen on a bounce and you hit a ground stroke and your momentum carries you into the kitchen its ok ?

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      Yes, that’s fine. Think of it this way: the kitchen rule only applies to balls that haven’t bounced. If the ball hasn’t bounce yet, then the kitchen rule applicable!

  55. How long after you volley a ball do you have to stay outnof the kitchen? Until the ball is hit on the other side? Until they return the ball?

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      You have to completely reset your stance and your motion. Basically, make sure both feet are on the ground and your arms aren’t moving. That signals that you’ve reset and are OK to go into the kitchen.

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  56. Question, a high lob shot lands (bounces) in the kitchen and bounces up to shoulder height. Can I return it with an overhanded smash while standing in the kitchen?

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      Yes, since the ball bounced first, the kitchen rule no longer applies for that specific shot.

  57. When playing someone said you can play in the pickle ball area. I thought you could only go in and get right back out not stay in and play ftom the kitchen

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  58. A new person started playing pickleball with us. She had played in another state. She told us we not playing correctly. She said if the ball bounces and you have to get in the kitchen to return it you must keep one foot out of the kitchen or it is a fault. I have never seen this rule written anywhere or heard it mentioned watching pickleball on you tube.

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      That is incorrect. You do not have to keep a foot outside the kitchen to return a bounced ball in the kitchen.

  59. If I return a serve legally @ the kitchen line & they return the ball in our zone than I fall in is that a fault?

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      It’s impossible to return a serve at the kitchen line because the ball has to bounce first. You should be at the baseline when returning a serve.

  60. If a ball lands 1″ beyond the kitchen line and I return the ball and my momentum takes me into the kitchen, is that a violation

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      No, because the ball has already landed. The kitchen rule only applies to balls that are volleyed.

  61. If you hit a volley outside the kitchen, the ball hits the opponents body and then your momentum carries you into the kitchen, is this a fault or is the point won when the ball hits the opponents?

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  62. If you are outside the kitchen and volley the ball and then jump over the corner of the kitchen towards the net and land out of bounds of the court. So you basically hop the corner of the kitchen to avoid falling into the kitchen. After hitting the ball you would now be standing a couple of feet from the net and a couple of feet to the right orvleft of the side kitchen line. Is this okay or a fault?

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  63. If you are standing outside the kitchen, can you volley the ball and in your follow through, jump outside the corner of the kitchen, either right side or left and land outside the court without stepping in the kitchen?

    Thank you
    Terry

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      Yes. But you cannot be standing in the kitchen, jump, then volley the ball and land outside.

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  64. My tournament playing friend tells me that if your sneaker is an inch over the line and your standing flat footed, not on your toes, it is still legal to hit the ball on a fly bc of the upward curvature of the front of the sneaker. True?

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      True. The actual kitchen zone is the physical ground, not the space above it. This is why it’s also OK to stick your paddle out into the kitchen. As long as you don’t touch the floor, you’re fine. Since the upward curvature of the shoe isn’t physically touching the line, then it’s fine.

      1. I think this would be a fault. It would be impossible for someone to tell if a portion of the foot was raised 1/16″ over the kitchen area but easy to see if the outline was on or over the kitchen area. If the foot was 3″ above the kitchen surface you could better determine if it contacts the surface. Otherwise the player could say he “hovers” his toes and only contacts the heel of his foot. If you’re a good player you’re not playing just on your heels… stay out of the kitchen and make sure that you don’t appear to violate the area…even if you have magical “hover toes”…

  65. If you are outside the kitchen near one of the sides of the court can you volley the ball and then jump over the corner of the kitchen towards the net and land out of bounds of the court. So you basically hop the corner of the kitchen to avoid falling into the kitchen. After hitting the ball you would now be standing a couple of feet from the net and a couple of feet to the right orvleft of the side kitchen line.

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      Gordon, my sincerest apologies. For some reason, I did not see your comment.

      Yes, you can do this. It’s called the Erne and it’s a common thing to do.

  66. Explain this please. The ball bounced outsidebpf the kitchen, it was hit and momentum took player into the kitchen. Shouldn’t this be a fault? Ball didn’t bounce in the kitchen, so player shouldn’t enter, right?

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      That is not a fault because the ball has already bounced. The kitchen rule only concerns balls that are volleyed, not balls that have already hit the ground.

      In your case, since the ball has already bounced, the kitchen rules do not matter. Does that make sense?

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  67. How abiut this question. The ball bounces in court area, not the kitchen, you hit it and step into the kitchen. Fault or no fault? We are at Robson Ranch, Denton, but currently on vacation in Key Largo.

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      It depends on how long it takes you to take a step into the kitchen. If your stroke is complete, then you step into the kitchen, then it’s not a fault. However, if you make the stroke while you’re stepping into the kitchen, or if your momentum puts you into the kitchen, then it is a fault.

      I responded to this a while back but I had it wrong. I think I’m getting too wrapped up in the rule without considering if the ball has bounced or not. Must have been tired. But as Tom said below, since it bounced first it’s not a fault. Apologies for the confusion.

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  68. If a ball hit to me lands just past the kitchen and I hit it outside the kitchen, but my forward momentum takes me into the kitchen after I hit it, is that a fault?

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      No. Your feet have to land outside the kitchen first before you initiate a stroke. You cannot jump from inside the kitchen, volley the ball, then land outside the kitchen.

  69. If I play a ball that bounces in the kitchen while I am standing in the kitchen must I get out of the kitchen before I can play another ball that bounces in the kitchen?

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      In that case, you don’t have to get out of the kitchen since the ball has bounced once. However, if you’re still in the kitchen, your opponent will probably just drive the ball at you. If that happens, you’re toast! Does that make sense?

    2. No, you can stand in the kitchen all the time you want, as long that you don’t hit a ball in the air, you can hit any ball that bounce first and then hit it

      1. My question is this…Can anyone stand in the kitchen. ? any time? As long as they do not volley ball they are fine. If the ball bounces in kitchen or outside kitchen and they hit it while in kitchen after a bounce in or outside kitchen; the play is fine. Can they again, stand in kitchen while balls are going back and forth and not hit a volley; just let ball bounce in kitchen or out of kitchen and being in there for a while; does not matter; they let the ball bounce and all is okay? Bottom line okay to stand in kitchen; but cannot hit volley. I hope this is not confusing. LMK It came up today.

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          Yes, you can stand in the kitchen all you want. As long as you don’t volley the ball or initiate a volley of any kind. But you never want to be standing in the kitchen. The reason is that if you have to volley the ball while you’re in the kitchen, you have to get completely out of the kitchen first before you initiate that volley, else it’s a fault. Also, if someone drives the ball at you and you’re standing in the kitchen, it’s a vault no matter what if it hits you. Hope that helps!

          1. Thanks for the kitchen rules today. But this confused me.

            “Also, if someone drives the ball at you and you’re standing in the kitchen, it’s a vault no matter what if it hits you.”

            So if someone smashes the ball “at you” while you are in the kitchen, and misses you and your paddle it’s a fault?

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