Sarah Chen
Topic Author New player here. I keep hearing about "the kitchen" but I'm not entirely clear on the rules. Can someone explain it simply?
What's the kitchen rule exactly?
6 posts
Jennifer Davis
You CAN enter the kitchen to play a ball that bounces. Just can't hit volleys from there.
Mike Johnson
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.
Amanda Wilson
Even your momentum counts - if you volley and then step into the kitchen, it's a fault.
Amanda Wilson
It's technically called the "non-volley zone" but everyone says kitchen.
Sarah Chen
Think of it this way: if the ball hasn't bounced, your feet can't touch the kitchen or kitchen line.