Emily Rodriguez Topic Author Jan 19, 2026, 6:39 PM #1 New player here. I keep hearing about "the kitchen" but I'm not entirely clear on the rules. Can someone explain it simply?
Emily Rodriguez Jan 20, 2026, 3:39 AM #2 The kitchen is the 7-foot zone on each side of the net. You can't volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in it or on the line.
Rachel Martinez Jan 20, 2026, 4:39 PM #3 You CAN enter the kitchen to play a ball that bounces. Just can't hit volleys from there.
Michelle Lee Jan 21, 2026, 12:39 AM #4 Even your momentum counts - if you volley and then step into the kitchen, it's a fault.
Emily Rodriguez Jan 22, 2026, 10:39 AM #5 It's technically called the "non-volley zone" but everyone says kitchen.
Emily Rodriguez Jan 23, 2026, 7:39 AM #6 Think of it this way: if the ball hasn't bounced, your feet can't touch the kitchen or kitchen line.