How Many Feet Is the Kitchen in Pickleball
Pickleball is a popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a small court with a unique feature known as the “kitchen,” which plays a crucial role in gameplay. In this article, we will explore the dimensions of the kitchen in pickleball and answer some common questions regarding its purpose and rules.
The kitchen, also referred to as the non-volley zone, is a rectangular area located on both sides of the net in pickleball. It extends 7 feet from the net towards the baseline on each side, resulting in a total length of 14 feet. The width of the kitchen is determined the sidelines of the court, which are 20 feet apart. Therefore, the kitchen is a 14-feet long 20-feet wide area.
Now, let’s address some commonly asked questions about the kitchen in pickleball:
1. Why is it called the kitchen?
The term “kitchen” is believed to have originated from the game’s inventors, Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell. They used the term to describe the non-volley zone due to its similarity to the kitchen area in table tennis, where players are not allowed to volley the ball.
2. What is the purpose of the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is designed to prevent players from executing volleys (hitting the ball in the air without letting it bounce) close to the net. This rule promotes fair play and prevents players from dominating the game solely their ability to volley.
3. Can you enter the kitchen during gameplay?
Yes, players can enter the kitchen during gameplay, but there are certain restrictions. They are not allowed to volley the ball while standing inside the kitchen unless the ball bounces in the kitchen area first.
4. Can you step on the kitchen line?
Yes, players can step on the kitchen line but cannot touch or cross it with any part of their body or paddle while volleying the ball. If they do, it results in a fault.
5. Can you hit the ball in the air from inside the kitchen?
Yes, you can hit the ball in the air from inside the kitchen as long as it has bounced outside the kitchen area. This is known as a groundstroke.
6. Can you hit the ball in the air above the kitchen?
Yes, hitting the ball in the air above the kitchen is allowed as long as you are not standing inside the kitchen and the ball has bounced outside the kitchen area.
7. Can you hit a ball that is bouncing in the kitchen area?
Yes, you can hit a ball that is bouncing in the kitchen area, as long as you are not volleying it. If the ball bounces in the kitchen, it is considered a fault if you hit it without letting it bounce again.
8. Can you hit a volley that lands in the kitchen area?
No, hitting a volley that lands in the kitchen area is a fault. The ball must land outside the kitchen area for it to be a legal shot.
9. What happens if you volley the ball from inside the kitchen?
Volleying the ball from inside the kitchen is a fault. The opposing team is awarded a point, and the serve switches to the other team.
10. Can you reach over the kitchen to hit the ball?
Yes, you can reach over the kitchen to hit the ball as long as you do not touch the kitchen or cross the kitchen line with any part of your body or paddle.
11. Can you hit a ball that is above the kitchen after it has bounced?
Yes, hitting a ball that is above the kitchen after it has bounced is allowed. This is known as a groundstroke.
12. Can you hit a ball that bounces in the kitchen after it has bounced?
Yes, hitting a ball that has bounced in the kitchen after it has bounced is allowed, as long as you are not volleying it.
13. Can the ball touch the kitchen line and still be considered out?
Yes, if the ball touches the kitchen line, it is considered out. The ball must land completely outside the kitchen area to be considered in play.
14. Can you hit a ball that is bouncing in the kitchen after it has bounced?
Yes, hitting a ball that is bouncing in the kitchen after it has bounced is allowed, as long as you are not volleying it.
Understanding the dimensions and rules of the kitchen in pickleball is vital for players to ensure fair and enjoyable gameplay. By adhering to these rules, players can make strategic shots and engage in thrilling rallies while maintaining a level playing field. So, the next time you step onto the pickleball court, keep these guidelines in mind and enjoy the game to the fullest.
