Many players, particularly beginners, often find it difficult to advance to the kitchen line. Statistics from over 34,000 rallies indicate that teams who do not reach the kitchen line lose 65% of the time. Being at the kitchen line offers a tactical advantage as it allows players to hit more shots at their opponents’ feet. Consequently, the kitchen line plays a crucial role in the game of pickleball.
Players often cite two reasons for avoiding the kitchen line: fear of breaking a rule and fear of being hit by a fast ball.
Fear of breaking the kitchen rule
The regulations pertaining to the Kitchen area were established to prevent players from consistently positioning themselves near the net and thereby dominating the match by returning every ball. It is important to note that standing in the Kitchen itself is not prohibited; rather, the rules specifically govern the manner in which a ball may be hit while within this area. The kitchen zone is a 7-foot area on each side of the net. Players must let the ball bounce before hitting it while in the kitchen. Volleying the ball in the air in the kitchen is a fault. This rule requires quickness and agility, as players must return outside the kitchen before volleying. Volleying while standing at the kitchen line may result in a fault being declared. For instance, if one hits a volley shot from the kitchen line and loses control of the paddle, causing it to fall into the kitchen, or if their hat falls off and lands in the kitchen, these situations would be considered faults.
Knowing the kitchen line rules is essential, Below are two which cause the most faults. To read all the rules surrounding the kitchen line (NVZ), read section 9 of the USA Pickleball Rules.
Know the Rules
- You cannot hit a volley shot, hit the ball in the air, while in the kitchen
- “9.B. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying touches the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley line. For example, a fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, one of the player’s feet touches a non-volley line.” The rule also says, “anything the player is wearing or carrying.” So yes, it’s still a fault if you drop your paddle in the kitchen after you’ve volleyed the ball, even if you’re outside the kitchen. But it can be anything that is physically attached to you. You’ll get called on a fault if your hat falls off, or even if your keys fall out of your pocket or anything similar.
- The Momentum Rule
- “9.C. A fault will be declared if, in the act of volleying the ball, the player’s momentum causes the player or anything the player is wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone or touch any non-volley line. It is a fault if the player’s momentum causes the player to touch anything that is touching the non-volley zone, including the player’s partner. It is a fault even if the ball is declared dead before the player touches the non-volley zone.”
Take The Given Advice
- We highly suggest that you get help from a professional pickleball coach.
- While playing, seek advice from your playing partner.
- You should occasionally check your feet at the kitchen line, especially if you’re a beginner; they should be about three inches from the line.
Remember, play, and have fun. The more you play, the more comfortable you’ll become with the NVZ and other rules.
Fear of being hit
Yes, being hit by a fast pickleball at the kitchen line will sting and may leave a bruise. So, how do you overcome this fear and protect yourself?
Improve your blocking technique
To start, you must be in the proper ready position at the kitchen line. The ready position in pickleball is crucial for quick response and stability. It involves a balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight on the balls of the feet. The paddle should be held in front of the body, slightly angled upward, and positioned up and in front of the body. This position allows for quick movement, effective shot execution and protects your body while at the kitchen line.
While in the ready position, practice forehand and backhand volleys, and punch shots. Reset to the ready position after each hit and follow the ball with your paddle. Keep swings compact and paddle face slightly open.
While in the ready position at the kitchen line, don’t make these mistakes as it is essential your paddle is in front of you and ready.
Don’t Dangle Your Paddle: Paddle drops by your side between shots.
Don’t Do The Drift: Your paddle slowly lowers during long rallies.
Don’t Relax at the Kitchen Line: Stay compact, paddle forward, knees bent. Reset after each shot—even if you didn’t touch the last one.
Improve your reaction speed
Here are some things to incorporate into your daily pickleball routine to assist with reaction speed.
Practice Specific Drills: Include drills that develop hand speed, coordination, and quick responses to incoming shots. Use wall drills and partner drills that concentrate on successive volley shots.
Physical Training: Participate in strength, core, flexibility, endurance, agility, and speed training. It is very important that you warm up and stretch prior to playing.
Gear: Wear appropriate court shoes and lighter weight paddles to help you move fast and stay agile on the court.
Hire an IPTPA Professional Pickleball Instructor: A certified IPTPA instructor ensures expertise in specific strokes, strategies, and shot selections unique to pickleball.
Soft Hands
Soft hands can change the rhythm of the volley, especially when faced with a fast down the middle drive shot from your opponent.
To block shots with soft hands in pickleball, consider the following techniques:
Maintain the Ready Position: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent to react quickly to shots.
Maintain a Loose Grip: At the kitchen line, hold the paddle with a relaxed grip, applying a pressure of around 3 to 4 out of 10. This helps your paddle absorb the ball’s energy effectively. Do not swing at the ball. If the ball is popping up or going deeper to the back court, you are gripping the paddle to tightly or swinging.
Practice Absorption: Start with slower balls and gradually work up to faster shots to improve your technique. let the paddle function as a cushion, and when the ball hits the paddle there is just enough “cushion” to drop the ball into the kitchen.
Now that we’ve taken your fears away, let’s get you to the kitchen line.
If you are interested in getting help from an IPTPA Certified Professional, contact us.