In pickleball, volleying is the type of hit specifically not allowed within the kitchen, also known as the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ).
Understanding the "Kitchen" Rule in Pickleball
The "kitchen" in pickleball refers to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), a crucial area on the court. This zone extends seven feet on both sides of the net, spanning the full width of the court. The fundamental rule governing play within this area is designed to promote strategic rallies and prevent players from dominating the net with powerful overhead slams.
What is Volleying?
Volleying, in the context of pickleball, means hitting the ball out of the air before it has bounced. This action is strictly forbidden when any part of the player or their equipment (like their paddle) is touching the kitchen line or is inside the kitchen zone. Simply put, if you are in the kitchen, or your momentum carries you into it after hitting, you cannot hit the ball until it has bounced.
Key Aspects of the Volleying Rule:
- No Hitting the Ball Out of the Air: If you are positioned in the kitchen, the ball must bounce on your side of the court before you strike it.
- Foot Faults: Stepping on or over the kitchen line while volleying results in a fault. This includes any part of your foot touching the line or being inside the zone at the moment of impact.
- Momentum: Even if you hit the ball from outside the kitchen, if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after hitting a volley, it is considered a fault.
Why Does This Rule Exist?
The Non-Volley Zone rule is a cornerstone of pickleball, distinguishing it from sports like tennis. Its primary purpose is to:
- Encourage Strategy: It prevents players from simply standing at the net and smashing balls, forcing them to use dinks, drops, and lobs to draw opponents out of position.
- Promote Fair Play: It levels the playing field, making the game accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.
- Enhance Rallies: By limiting power play at the net, it encourages longer, more engaging rallies that showcase finesse and ball control.
Types of Hits Allowed vs. Disallowed in the Kitchen
To further clarify, here's a quick reference:
| Action | Inside the Kitchen (NVZ) | Outside the Kitchen (NVZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting the ball | Allowed only after the ball has bounced. (e.g., a "dink" or a groundstroke) | Allowed after the ball has bounced (groundstroke) or before it bounces (volley), provided not in NVZ. |
| Volleying (hitting out of air) | Forbidden. Any part of player or paddle touching NVZ during hit is a fault. | Allowed. This is a common and effective shot in pickleball. |
| Standing/Positioning | Allowed to stand, but cannot volley from this position. | Allowed to stand and volley. |
It's crucial for players to understand and adhere to these rules to ensure fair play and enjoy the strategic nuances of pickleball. For comprehensive rules, always refer to the official USA Pickleball rulebook.
