Pickleball continues to grow in popularity and more people of all ages are learning how to play the game. One component of the game that players need to know about is the non-volley zone. Here’s an explanation of where the non-volley zone is located on the court and what players are allowed to do in this area.

Here’s what pickleball players of all levels need to know about the non-volley zone:

• The non-volley zone is the court area within 7 feet on both sides of the net;
• Volleying is prohibited within the non-volley zone. This rule prevents players from executing smashes from a position within the zone;
• It is a fault if, when volleying a ball, the player steps on the non-volley zone, including the line and/or when the player’s momentum causes them or anything they are wearing or carrying to touch the non-volley zone including the associated lines;
• It is a fault if, after volleying, a player is carried by momentum into or touches the non-volley zone, even if the volleyed ball is declared dead before this happens;
• A player may legally be in the non-volley zone any time other than when volleying a ball; and
• The non-volley zone is commonly referred to as “the kitchen.”

Source: usapickleball.org