# What is the kitchen rule in pickleball? | 2026 Pickleball Rules | MYOPL

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2026 pickleball rule answer

What is the kitchen rule in pickleball?

The kitchen is the non-volley zone. A player may enter or stand in it, but may not volley while touching the zone or one of its boundary lines. Volley momentum also cannot carry the player or anything in contact with the player into the zone.

The non-volley zone is the 7-foot-by-20-foot area next to the net on each end of the court, and its boundary lines are part of the zone. The restriction applies to volleys, not to every shot played from inside the zone.

Published by

MYOPL Rules Desk

Originally published

September 23, 2026

Product review

Checked against the validated 2026 package, revision 5

Last updated

2026-09-23

Quick ruling

The kitchen is the non-volley zone. A player may enter or stand in it, but may not volley while touching the zone or one of its boundary lines. Volley momentum also cannot carry the player or anything in contact with the player into the zone.

The non-volley zone is the 7-foot-by-20-foot area next to the net on each end of the court, and its boundary lines are part of the zone. The restriction applies to volleys, not to every shot played from inside the zone.

Rules cited

Rule 3.A.4.c

Rule 11.A

Rule 11.A.1

Rule 11.A.2

Frequently asked questions

What is the kitchen rule in pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone. A player may enter or stand in it, but may not volley while touching the zone or one of its boundary lines. Volley momentum also cannot carry the player or anything in contact with the player into the zone.
Can you step into the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone. A player may enter or stand in it, but may not volley while touching the zone or one of its boundary lines. Volley momentum also cannot carry the player or anything in contact with the player into the zone.
Can you stand in the non-volley zone?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone. A player may enter or stand in it, but may not volley while touching the zone or one of its boundary lines. Volley momentum also cannot carry the player or anything in contact with the player into the zone.

Sources and product references

USA Pickleball official rules — The governing source controls sanctioned play.

MYOPL validated question coverage — Question examples and resolver acceptance coverage.