Mastering the "Kitchen": 5 Rules Every Singaporean Player Needs to Know
If you’re new to the sport, you’ve likely heard someone yell, "You’re in the Kitchen!". To help you stay out of trouble (and win more points), here are the 5 essential Kitchen rules every player at Straits Academy learns on day one.
What is the non-volley zone?
The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), affectionately known as the Kitchen, is the most important part of the pickleball court. It’s what prevents pickleball from becoming a game of pure power and turns it into a game of strategy. This rectangular area extends 7 feet from the net on both sides of the court and includes the non-volley zone line.
1. No Volleys Allowed
The most basic rule: You cannot hit the ball out of the air (a volley) while any part of your body is touching the Kitchen line or standing inside the Kitchen. Even if your toe is touching the white paint, it’s a foot fault.
This volley is a foot fault as the player’s right foot is touching the Kitchen line.
2. The Momentum Rule
This is the one that catches most beginners. If you hit a volley while standing behind the line, but your momentum carries you forward so that you step into the Kitchen after the volley, it is still a fault. It doesn’t matter if you hit a winning volley, you must be in full control of your balance!
3. You CAN Stand in the Kitchen
A common myth is that the Kitchen is a "forbidden zone." You are actually allowed to stand in the Kitchen at any time! However, you can only hit the ball from inside the Kitchen after it has bounced. Once it bounces, the "Non-Volley" rule no longer applies.
4. Clearing the Zone
If you have stepped into the Kitchen to play a dink, you must "re-establish" both feet outside the Kitchen line before you can legally hit your next volley.
This volley is legal as both the players feet are outside the Kitchen.
5. The Strategy: Why the Kitchen Exists
The Kitchen exists to stop players from standing at the net and "smashing" every ball. By forcing players to dink, the game becomes a tactical battle of patience. Mastering the Kitchen is the difference between a beginner and a high-level club player.
To learn pickleball in Singapore the right way, we recommend starting with a structured program. Our Introduction to Pickleball Clinic is designed specifically for absolute beginners. We cover all the fundamental rules and scoring, and by the end of the clinic, we’ll have you playing your first games and having a blast!