Learn the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen) rules

The Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), called "the kitchen," extends 7 feet from the net on each side. You cannot hit the ball out of the air (volley) while any part of your body touches this zone, including the kitchen line.

What Counts as a Violation

• Volleying while standing in the kitchen
• Any body part or paddle touching the NVZ or its line during a volley
• Momentum carrying you into the kitchen after hitting a volley from outside it
• Your hat, sunglasses, or any object falling into the kitchen during a volley

Tips

• You can enter the kitchen freely to play a ball that has bounced
• The kitchen rule only restricts volleys (hitting before a bounce)
• Many beginners confuse this — the kitchen is not off-limits, only volleying in it is