Can you go in the kitchen in pickleball?
B · Beginner · Serving and rallies · 5 of 5Checked 15 October 2026
The non-volley zone is the 7 ft area beside the net, lines included. Players may stand in it and play a ball that has bounced there. They may not volley while touching it, nor if a volley carries them in, even after the ball is dead. Both feet must leave before volleying again.
How it works
- Size: 7 ft by 20 ft.
- Lines: part of the zone.
- Standing in it: allowed.
- Bounced ball: may be played.
- Volley while touching: fault.
- Momentum in: fault.
- Partner touching you: counts.
- Re-establish: both feet out.
The glossary has the non-volley zone, the non-volley zone fault, the volley, the fault, the referee and the court.
Tricky cases
My hat falls into the kitchen as I volley. Fault?
Yes.
I volley, then my momentum carries me in after the rally ends. Fault?
Yes.
Can I wait in the kitchen?
Yes, but you cannot volley there.
I jump from outside, volley in the air, land outside. Legal?
Yes.
Why the rule exists
Without it a player at the net could volley every ball down at the opponents' feet.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Volley | Not in zone | L 11.A |
| Momentum | Fault | L 11.A.2 |
| Bounced ball | Allowed | L 11.A |
From the rule book
USA Pickleball, Official Rulebook (2026), Rule 11. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook 2026.