Pickleball Kitchen Strategy

Pickleball is played on a court similar to a tennis court, but smaller, with a net, paddles, and a plastic ball with holes. Pickleball is easy to learn, but challenging to master, especially when it comes to the kitchen.

The kitchen, also known as the non-volley zone, is the area of the court that extends 7 feet from the net on both sides. It is marked by two parallel lines that run perpendicular to the net. The kitchen is a crucial part of pickleball strategy, as it can make or break your game.

In this article, we will cover essential pickleball kitchen strategies, tips, techniques, and drills to improve your game. Learn how to get to the kitchen quickly, control the net, and more. By mastering these strategies, you’ll increase your chances of winning points and dominating the court.

What is the Kitchen in Pickleball?

The kitchen is the most important area of the pickleball court, as it determines what kind of shots you can and cannot hit. The kitchen rule states that you cannot hit the ball in the air (volley) while standing in the kitchen, unless the ball bounces first. You can, however, hit the ball in the air while standing outside the kitchen, or hit the ball after it bounces while standing in the kitchen.

How big is the kitchen in pickleball?

The kitchen is 7 feet wide and extends the entire width of the court, which is 20 feet. The kitchen line is the line that marks the boundary of the kitchen. The kitchen line is part of the kitchen, meaning that if you touch the line while volleying, you commit a fault.

Pickleball kitchen rules to know

The kitchen rule is one of the most important and unique rules in pickleball. It is designed to prevent players from dominating the net and hitting hard shots that are difficult to return. Here are some key points to remember about the kitchen rule:

• You cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. You must let the ball bounce first before hitting it.
• You can enter the kitchen at any time, as long as you do not volley the ball. You can hit groundstrokes, dinks, or drop shots from the kitchen.
• You can volley the ball while standing outside the kitchen, even if your paddle or any part of your body crosses the plane of the net or the kitchen line, as long as you do not touch the net, the kitchen, or the kitchen line.
• If you volley the ball while standing outside the kitchen, you must exit the kitchen before the next shot. You cannot stay in the kitchen and wait for the ball to bounce.
• If you hit a volley while standing outside the kitchen, but your momentum carries you into the kitchen, you must let the ball bounce before hitting it again. You cannot hit another volley until you exit the kitchen completely.

Why is there a non-volley zone in pickleball?

The non-volley zone, or the kitchen, is a unique feature of pickleball that adds a layer of strategy and skill to the game. The kitchen rule prevents players from smashing the ball at the net, which would make the game too fast and aggressive. Instead, the kitchen rule encourages players to use finesse, touch, and placement to win points. The kitchen rule also creates a balance between offense and defense, as players have to move in and out of the kitchen depending on the situation.

Why is the Kitchen Important in Pickleball?

The kitchen is the most important area of the pickleball court, as it gives you the best position to control the game. By being at the kitchen line, you can:

• Reduce the angle and distance of your opponent’s shots, making them easier to return.
• Increase the angle and distance of your own shots, making them harder to return.
• Hit a variety of shots, such as volleys, dinks, drop shots, or lobs, to keep your opponent guessing.
• Put pressure on your opponent, forcing them to make errors or give you opportunities to attack.

Basic Pickleball Strategy: Get to the Kitchen Quickly

One of the most basic and effective pickleball strategies is to get to the kitchen line as quickly as possible. By being at the kitchen line, you can take advantage of all the benefits mentioned above. However, getting to the kitchen is not as easy as it sounds. You have to deal with your opponent’s shots, your own shots, and the kitchen rule.

Benefits of being at the kitchen line

Being at the kitchen line gives you many benefits, such as:

• Having more time to react to your opponent’s shots, as you are closer to the net and the ball travels slower.
• Having more options to hit your shots, as you can use different angles, speeds, and spins to create variety and unpredictability.
• Having more control over the pace and direction of the game, as you can dictate where and how the ball goes.
• Having more confidence and aggression, as you can put pressure on your opponent and look for opportunities to win the point.

How to Get to the Kitchen Quickly

Getting to the kitchen quickly is a key pickleball strategy, but it requires skill, timing, and awareness. Here are some tips to help you get to the kitchen quickly and safely:

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is to rush to the kitchen without paying attention to their own shots or their opponent’s shots. This can result in hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the net, or getting caught in no man’s land (the area between the kitchen and the baseline).

A simple rule to follow is to take one step forward after every shot you hit, and two steps back after every shot your opponent hits. This way, you can adjust your position according to the ball’s trajectory and bounce, and avoid being too close or too far from the kitchen line.

Getting to the Kitchen Takes Awareness As Part of Your Basic Pickleball Strategy

Another mistake that beginners make is to ignore their opponent’s shots and focus only on their own shots. This can result in missing easy shots, hitting weak shots, or getting surprised by their opponent’s shots.

A good pickleball player is always aware of their opponent’s shots, as well as their own shots. They watch the ball closely, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and plan their next shot accordingly. They also communicate with their partner, if they are playing doubles, to coordinate their movements and strategies.

What About a Tennis Approach Shot to Get to the Kitchen?

Some players, especially those with a tennis background, may be tempted to use a tennis approach shot to get to the kitchen. An approach shot is a shot that is hit deep and hard, usually with topspin, to force the opponent to hit a weak or defensive shot, allowing the player to move to the net and finish the point.

However, a tennis approach shot is not very effective in pickleball, for several reasons:

• The pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, which means that the ball will bounce higher and closer to the opponent, giving them more time and space to hit a good shot.
• The pickleball paddle is smaller and less powerful than a tennis racket, which means that the ball will have less speed and spin, making it easier to return.
• The pickleball ball is lighter and softer than a tennis ball, which means that it will lose more energy and momentum after bouncing, making it slower and lower, making it easier to return.
• The pickleball kitchen rule prevents the player from volleying the ball while standing in the kitchen, which means that they have to let the ball bounce before hitting it, giving the opponent more time to recover and hit another shot.

Therefore, a tennis approach shot is not a good way to get to the kitchen in pickleball. Instead, a better way to get to the kitchen is to use a third shot drop.

Pickleball Kitchen Strategy Tips

Here are some pickleball kitchen strategy tips to help you improve your game and win more points:

Pickleball Strategy Tip#1 – Don’t Run to the Kitchen too fast!

One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is to run to the kitchen too fast, without paying attention to their own shots or their opponent’s shots. This can result in hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the net, or getting caught in no man’s land (the area between the kitchen and the baseline).

A simple rule to follow is to take one step forward after every shot you hit, and two steps back after every shot your opponent hits. This way, you can adjust your position according to the ball’s trajectory and bounce, and avoid being too close or too far from the kitchen line.

Pickleball Strategy Tip #2 – Does the Forehand always Cover the Middle?

Another common mistake that beginners make is to assume that the forehand always covers the middle of the court, regardless of where they are standing. This can result in leaving gaps on the court, or getting in the way of their partner, if they are playing doubles.

A better way to cover the court is to use the “two-thirds rule”. This rule states that you should cover two-thirds of the court that is closest to you, and leave one-third of the court that is farthest from you to your partner. This way, you can avoid overlaps, confusion, and collisions, and cover the court more efficiently.

Pickleball Strategy Tip #3 –Cover the Court as a Team

Another important pickleball strategy tip is to cover the court as a team, especially if you are playing doubles. This means that you and your partner should move together, communicate with each other, and support each other.

Some ways to cover the court as a team are:

• Stay in sync with your partner. Try to move in the same direction and at the same pace as your partner, so that you can cover the court evenly and avoid leaving gaps or overlaps.
• Communicate with your partner. Use verbal or non-verbal cues to let your partner know what you are doing, what you want them to do, or what you see on the court. For example, you can call out “mine”, “yours”, “switch”, “help”, or “poach” to coordinate your actions.
• Support your partner. If your partner is in trouble, try to help them out by covering their side, hitting a defensive shot, or encouraging them. If your partner makes a mistake, don’t blame them or get angry, but rather cheer them up and focus on the next point.

Pickleball Strategy Tip #4 –Move to the Net as a Team

One of the most effective pickleball strategies is to move to the net as a team, especially in doubles. By being at the kitchen line, you can control the game and put pressure on your opponents. However, moving to the net as a team requires coordination, timing, and awareness.

Some ways to move to the net as a team are:

• Use the third shot drop. The third shot drop is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit a weak or high shot that you can attack. The third shot drop is usually hit by the serving team, as they have to stay behind the baseline until the ball bounces. The third shot drop allows them to move to the net safely and join their partner.
• Use the fifth shot drop. The fifth shot drop is similar to the third shot drop, but it is hit by the receiving team, as they have to deal with the opponent’s third shot drop. The fifth shot drop is a counter-drop that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, neutralizing their advantage and allowing them to move to the net with their partner.
• Use the poach. The poach is a shot that is hit by the partner of the player who is supposed to hit the ball, usually when the ball is in the middle of the court. The poach is a way to surprise the opponents, take away their time, and hit a winning shot. The poach also allows the poacher to move to the net and join their partner.

Top Pickleball Kitchen Strategies to Know

Now that you know some basic pickleball kitchen strategies, tips, and techniques, let’s look at some of the top pickleball kitchen strategies that you should know and practice. These strategies are:

• Dinking
• Ernes
• Stacking
• Positioning Yourself at the Kitchen

Dinking

Dinking is one of the most essential and effective pickleball kitchen strategies. Dinking is a soft shot that is hit low over the net and lands in the opponent’s kitchen, making it difficult for them to hit a hard or aggressive shot. Dinking is a way to control the game, create openings, and force errors.

What is dinking?

Dinking is a shot that is hit with a short and gentle swing, usually with an open paddle face and little or no spin. The goal of dinking is to hit the ball as low and as close to the net as possible, without hitting the net or going out of bounds. The ideal dink is one that barely clears the net and lands near the kitchen line, making it hard for the opponent to reach or return.

Why is dinking important at the kitchen line?

Dinking is important at the kitchen line because it allows you to:

• Keep the ball low and prevent your opponent from hitting a volley or a smash.
• Make your opponent move and bend, which can tire them out or make them lose balance.
• Vary the speed, spin, and direction of your shots, which can confuse or frustrate your opponent.
• Wait for a high or weak shot from your opponent, which you can attack and win the point.

How to dink effectively

To dink effectively, you need to:

• Use a continental grip, which is a grip that allows you to hit both forehand and backhand dinks with ease and consistency.
• Bend your knees and get low, which will help you hit the ball at a better angle and with more control.
• Keep your paddle up and in front of you, which will help you prepare for the next shot and react faster.
• Hit the ball in front of your body, which will help you hit the ball with more accuracy and power.
• Aim for the middle of the paddle, which will help you hit the ball with more stability and less vibration.
• Hit the ball softly and gently, which will help you hit the ball with more touch and finesse.
• Hit the ball low and close to the net, which will help you hit the ball with more difficulty and pressure.
• Hit the ball to different spots on the court, which will help you hit the ball with more variety and unpredictability.

Ernes

Ernes are one of the most exciting and impressive pickleball kitchen strategies. Ernes are shots that are hit by jumping from outside the kitchen, hitting the ball in the air, and landing in the kitchen. Ernes are a way to surprise your opponent, take away their time, and hit a winning shot.

What is an erne?

An erne is a shot that is hit by jumping from outside the kitchen, hitting the ball in the air, and landing in the kitchen. The erne is named after Erne Perry, a pickleball player who popularized the shot. The erne is also known as the “fly-by” or the “jump shot”.

How to hit an erne

To hit an erne, you need to:

• Anticipate your opponent’s shot, especially if they are hitting a crosscourt dink or a wide angle shot.
• Position yourself near the sideline, outside the kitchen, and close to the net.
• Jump from outside the kitchen, with your paddle ready and your eyes on the ball.
• Hit the ball in the air, with a downward angle and a forward motion, aiming for the opposite corner of the court.
• Land in the kitchen, with your feet inside the kitchen line, and your paddle or body not touching the net, the kitchen, or the kitchen line.

When to use an erne

An erne is a risky and flashy shot, so you should use it sparingly and wisely. Some situations when you can use an erne are:

• When your opponent hits a high or weak shot that you can attack.
• When your opponent is not expecting or prepared for your shot.
• When you have a clear and open path to the ball and the court.
• When you are confident and comfortable with your shot.

Stacking

Stacking is one of the most advanced and strategic pickleball kitchen strategies. Stacking is a way of positioning yourself and your partner on the court, regardless of who is serving or receiving. Stacking is a way to optimize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, and create confusion for your opponents.

What is stacking?

Stacking is a way of positioning yourself and your partner on the court, regardless of who is serving or receiving. Stacking allows you to choose which side of the court you want to play on, and which side of the court you want your partner to play on. For example, you can stack to have both players play on their forehand side, or to have one player play on their backhand side and the other player play on their forehand side.

Why is stacking important in pickleball?

Stacking is important in pickleball because it allows you to:

• Play to your strengths and preferences, such as hitting more forehands, avoiding your backhand, or playing on a certain side of the court.
• Play to your partner’s strengths and preferences, such as hitting more volleys, avoiding their backhand, or playing on a certain side of the court.
• Play to your opponent’s weaknesses and dislikes, such as hitting to their backhand, forcing them to switch sides, or playing on a certain side of the court.
• Create confusion and chaos for your opponents, such as changing your positions, disrupting their rhythm, or playing on a certain side of the court.

How to stack effectively

To stack effectively, you need to:

• Communicate with your partner, before and during the game, to decide which side of the court you want to play on, and which side of the court you want your partner to play on.
• Coordinate with your partner, before and during the game, to switch positions, serve, or receive, according to the stacking strategy you have chosen.
• Be aware of the score, the server, and the receiver, before and during the game, to know when and how to stack, and when and how to switch back to normal.
• Be flexible and adaptable, before and during the game, to adjust your stacking strategy, according to the situation, the opponents, and the results.

Positioning Yourself at the Kitchen

Positioning yourself at the kitchen is one of the most fundamental and essential pickleball kitchen strategies. Positioning yourself at the kitchen is a way to maximize your chances of hitting good shots, returning your opponent’s shots, and winning points.

Where to stand at the kitchen line

The best place to stand at the kitchen line is about a foot behind the kitchen line, and about a foot away from the sideline. This position gives you several advantages, such as:

• You can cover more of the court, as you can reach both the middle and the sides of the court.
• You can avoid hitting the net, as you have more margin for error and more room to swing.
• You can avoid committing a fault, as you are not touching the kitchen line or the kitchen.
• You can hit a variety of shots, as you can use different angles, speeds, and spins to create variety and unpredictability.

How to move around the kitchen line

Moving around the kitchen line is an important skill that can help you improve your pickleball kitchen strategy. Moving around the kitchen line can help you:

• Adjust to your opponent’s shots, as you can position yourself better to hit or return the ball.
• Create openings for your shots, as you can hit the ball to different spots on the court.
• Surprise your opponent with your shots, as you can hit the ball from different angles or directions.

Some ways to move around the kitchen line are:

• Use small and quick steps, which will help you move faster and smoother.
• Use lateral and diagonal movements, which will help you cover more of the court and hit more angles.
• Use forward and backward movements, which will help you hit the ball at the optimal height and distance.
• Use split steps, which are small jumps that you make before hitting or returning the ball, which will help you balance and react better.

How to communicate with your partner at the kitchen line

Communicating with your partner at the kitchen line is a vital part of pickleball kitchen strategy, especially in doubles. Communicating with your partner can help you:

• Coordinate your movements and actions, as you can avoid overlaps, confusion, and collisions.
• Support each other and work as a team, as you can help each other out and encourage each other.
• Outsmart your opponents and win points, as you can plan your shots and strategies.

Some ways to communicate with your partner at the kitchen line are:

• Use verbal cues, such as calling out “mine”, “yours”, “switch”, “help”, or “poach”, to let your partner know what you are doing, what you want them to do, or what you see on the court.
• Use non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, hand signals, or head nods, to communicate with your partner without alerting your opponents.
• Use positive feedback, such as praising, complimenting, or high-fiving your partner, to boost their confidence and morale.

Putting It All Together

Pickleball kitchen strategy is a complex and dynamic aspect of the game that requires skill, practice, and experience. By learning and applying these pickleball kitchen strategies, tips, techniques, and drills, you can improve your game and win more points. Remember, the kitchen is the most important area of the pickleball court, so make sure you master it and dominate it.

Learn to Play Better Pickleball, for Free

If you want to learn more about how to play better pickleball, you can check out some of the best free resources online, such as:

• [PrimetimePickleball], a website that offers hundreds of videos and articles on pickleball tips, drills, strategies, and more.
• [https://usapickleball.org/], a website that explains the official rules of pickleball in a simple and easy way.

Latest Reads

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like some of our latest reads on pickleball, such as:

• [Exploring Pickleball Kitchen Size: Dimensions and Court Regulations], a article that reveals a simple but powerful tip that can improve your pickleball kitchen game instantly.
• [Winning at the Net: How to Master Pickleball Kitchen Rules], a article that covers everything you need to know about the pickleball kitchen rule, the purpose, the exceptions, and the common mistakes.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered essential pickleball kitchen strategies, tips, techniques, and drills to improve your game. We learned how to get to the kitchen quickly, control the net, and more. By mastering these strategies, you’ll increase your chances of winning points and dominating the court.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you. And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family who love pickleball. Thank you for reading, and happy pickleballing!

FAQs

What is the erne in pickleball?

The erne is a shot that is hit by jumping from outside the kitchen, hitting the ball in the air, and landing in the kitchen. The erne is named after Erne Perry, a pickleball player who popularized the shot. The erne is also known as the “fly-by” or the “jump shot”.

How is an erne legal?

An erne is legal because it does not violate the pickleball kitchen rule, which states that you cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. You can, however, volley the ball while standing outside the kitchen, even if your paddle or any part of your body crosses the plane of the net or the kitchen line, as long as you do not touch the net, the kitchen, or the kitchen line.

Why is it called the kitchen in pickleball?

There are many theories and stories about why the kitchen is called the kitchen in pickleball, but no one knows for sure. Some of the most popular explanations are:

• The kitchen is where the action is, just like in a house party.
• The kitchen is where you cook your opponents, just like in a barbecue.
• The kitchen is where you get burned, just like in a stove.
• The kitchen is where you get served, just like in a restaurant.
• The kitchen is where you make a mess, just like in a food fight.

How does the kitchen rule affect wheelchair users?

The kitchen rule affects wheelchair users differently than able-bodied users, as they have some exceptions and modifications to the rule. According to the official rules of pickleball, wheelchair users can:

• Hit the ball in the air while in the kitchen, as long as the ball is below the net level when they hit it.
• Touch the kitchen line or the kitchen with their wheelchair, as long as they do not touch it with their feet.
• Stay in the kitchen after hitting a volley, as long as they exit the kitchen before the next shot.

What are some common pickleball kitchen mistakes?

Some of the most common pickleball kitchen mistakes are:

• Hitting the ball too high or too hard, which can result in hitting the net, going out of bounds, or giving your opponent an easy shot to attack.
• Hitting the ball too low or too soft, which can result in hitting the net, falling short of the kitchen, or giving your opponent an easy shot to attack.
• Hitting the ball too close or too far from the net, which can result in hitting the net, going out of bounds, or giving your opponent an easy shot to attack.
• Hitting the ball to the same spot or direction, which can result in being predictable, boring, or giving your opponent an easy shot to anticipate and return.
• Hitting the ball without watching or aiming, which can result in hitting the net, going out of bounds, or giving your opponent an easy shot to attack.

What are some tips for improving my pickleball kitchen game?

Some of the best tips for improving your pickleball kitchen game are:

• Practice your dinks, drop shots, and volleys, which are the most common and effective shots at the kitchen line.
• Practice your footwork, balance, and agility, which are the most important skills for moving around the kitchen line.
• Practice your anticipation, reaction, and decision-making, which are the most critical skills for dealing with your opponent’s shots at the kitchen line.
• Practice your communication, coordination, and teamwork, which are the most essential skills for playing with your partner at the kitchen line.
• Practice your patience, consistency, and confidence, which are the most vital skills for winning points at the kitchen line.