If you’ve ever watched or played pickleball, you might have heard players talk about the “kitchen.” But what exactly is the kitchen, and how big is it? This article will dive into the dimensions of the pickleball kitchen, why it’s so important, and how understanding this area can improve your game.
What Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The kitchen, officially known as the non-volley zone (NVZ), is a special area on each side of the pickleball court near the net. Its main purpose is to prevent players from smashing volleys right at the net, which keeps the game fair and strategic. The kitchen encourages players to use finesse, skill, and tactical shots like dinks and drop shots instead of just power.
How Big Is the Kitchen in Pickleball?
The kitchen measures:
– 7 feet (2.13 meters) from the net toward the baseline on each side of the court
– 20 feet (6.1 meters) wide, matching the full width of the court
This means the kitchen is a rectangular zone that spans the entire width of the court and extends 7 feet back from the net on both sides. So, combined, the kitchen areas on both sides cover 14 feet of the court’s length but do not overlap since they are separated by the net.
Kitchen Dimensions Summary
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 20 feet (6.1 m) |
| Depth (from net) | 7 feet (2.13 m) |
| Area per side | 140 square feet |
This size is consistent for both singles and doubles play, ensuring fairness and uniformity in all games.
How Does the Kitchen Affect Play?
The kitchen is a critical zone for pickleball strategy. Here are the key rules and gameplay impacts related to the kitchen:
– No volleying in the kitchen: Players cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing inside the kitchen. They must let the ball bounce first if they want to hit it from this zone. This prevents players from dominating the net with aggressive smashes.
– Players can enter the kitchen to play groundstrokes: You can step into the kitchen to hit balls that have bounced, but you must exit before volleying again.
– Faults occur if you volley while in the kitchen: Stepping into the kitchen and volleying results in a fault, which can cost your team a point or the serve.
Because of these rules, the kitchen becomes a zone of finesse and tactical play. Players often use soft shots like dinks to control the pace and force opponents into mistakes.
The Kitchen in Relation to the Full Pickleball Court
To understand the kitchen’s size better, it helps to look at the full court dimensions:
– Total court size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (6.1 m x 13.41 m)
– Kitchen size: 20 feet wide by 7 feet long on each side of the net
– Remaining playing area on each side: 20 feet wide by 15 feet long (from the kitchen line to the baseline)
This means the kitchen occupies a significant portion near the net but leaves ample room behind for baseline rallies and other shots.
Why Is It Called the “Kitchen”?
The nickname “kitchen” is a quirky and fun term unique to pickleball culture. While its exact origin is unclear, it is believed to come from the idea that players don’t want to be caught “cooking” or volleying in this zone, which is against the rules. The playful name adds character to the sport and makes the non-volley zone memorable for players and fans alike.
Tips for Mastering Kitchen Play
Mastering the kitchen can elevate your pickleball game. Here are some tips:
– Practice dinking: Soft, controlled shots into the kitchen can force your opponent to make errors.
– Stay out of the kitchen when volleying: Always be mindful of your foot placement to avoid faults.
– Use the kitchen to your advantage: Position yourself just outside the kitchen line to volley effectively while controlling the net.
– Work on quick reflexes: The kitchen is a fast-paced zone where quick hands and smart shot selection matter most.
Final Thoughts
The pickleball kitchen is a 7-foot deep, 20-foot wide zone on each side of the net that plays a crucial role in the game’s strategy and rules. Understanding its size and the rules governing it can help you become a smarter, more tactical player who knows when to use power and when to rely on finesse.
Master the kitchen, and you’ll be well on your way to dominating the pickleball court!