No Need to Fear the Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone (NVZ) is one of the most misunderstood and intimidating aspects of pickleball. Yet, it’s an essential feature of the game - created intentionally to level the playing field and create more strategic rallies.

When pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Prichard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, they included this zone as a way to neutralize players, preventing anyone from dominating by simply standing too close to the net.

Without it, rallies would end in a blink, and the game would lose much of its excitement. I always tell my students that 80%-90% of a typical rally is played out around the NVZ, and it’s in this area that players regain control and turn the tide of a match.

In this article, I'll delve into the non-volley zone and why it's not to be feared...

Image credit: PickleballCafe

The Non-Volley Zone Explained:

The non-volley zone, often referred to as the "kitchen," is a seven-foot area on both sides of the net. It extends 7 feet from the net and marks the region where players cannot volley the ball - meaning they can't hit it out of the air - while standing within this space.

This rule encourages strategic shot selection and adds a layer of complexity to the game.

A common misconception is that people believe “you cannot go into the non-volley zone until the ball has bounced” but the wording is simply incorrect.

The proper way of understanding is that you can be in the non-volley zone at any time during a game. You cannot hit the ball until it has bounced, meaning your body can be inside the zone waiting for the ball to bounce.

Key Rules:

Location: The NVZ is located 7 feet from the net on both sides

Purpose: To prevent players from standing too close to the net and volleying, which would make the game far too fast and reduce opportunities for longer rallies

Entering the NVZ: Players can enter the non-volley zone at any time, but they cannot volley the ball until it bounces

Leaving the NVZ: Once the ball has bounced, you are free to move in and volley as needed, but be mindful of your foot placement to avoid stepping on or over the NVZ line

Foot Faults: The most common fault related to the NVZ is stepping inside the zone or on the line while volleying and during the follow-through. If this happens, the opposing team gets the point or the serve

Line Calls:

When the ball has been served and it lands on the non-volley line or in the zone then the serve is considered “short” and does not count. That server loses their serve right away.

Strategies for Mastering the Non-Volley Zone:

Understanding how to effectively play around the NVZ is key to mastering pickleball. Here are some strategic insights to help you play your best:

Third-Shot Drop

One of the most popular strategies to neutralize your opponents' advantage is the "third-shot drop." After the serve and return, you ideally want to hit a controlled drop shot with top spin that lands in the NVZ. This gives your team the chance to move toward the net, where the most dynamic plays take place, while also preventing your opponents from executing a volley.

Dinking

Dinking - the art of hitting soft, controlled shots just over the net - is a crucial skill when you're in or near the NVZ. Dinks are low, short shots that keep your opponents from launching an aggressive attack while giving you time to move into position. Dinking also allows you to dictate the pace of the game, setting you up for a more strategic shot as you work your way toward the net.

Footwork and Positioning

Your movement around the NVZ is just as important as your shot selection. Practice your footwork to move quickly in and out of the zone and laterally across the non-volley line, while maintaining good balance. Stepping into the kitchen after the ball bounces can set you up for an effective dink, particularly when the ball is out of your reach, but be careful - if you jump the gun and volley the ball while standing inside the NVZ, a foot fault may be called.

Sideways Movement

Moving laterally along the NVZ line not only allows you to cover your part of the court effectively but it can help you create angles and add unpredictability to your shots. This can throw off your opponent’s positioning and force them to react more quickly, giving you an advantage.

Lob Shots

While not always the go-to, the lob shot can be a great tool when your opponents are heavily focused on controlling the NVZ. A well-timed lob can send the ball over their heads, forcing them to retreat and giving you time to take control of the point. Use lobs sparingly, as they can leave you open to counter-attacks if not executed correctly. A good time to lob is when the other team is down and deeply engaged in the dinking strategies, but have left a ‘dead’ dink for you.

Mixing Up Your Shots

Variety is key in keeping your opponents on their toes. Location, pace, depth and angle will all keep the defense guessing. If you rely too heavily on one shot, your opponents will catch on and make it easier to predict your play.

Common Faults in the Non-Volley Zone:

The most common mistake when dealing with the NVZ is stepping into the zone while trying to volley the ball. When detected, this results in an automatic fault, which can give the other team an advantage.

To avoid this, be mindful of your positioning and make sure you’re not in the kitchen when attempting a volley.

Another common error is failing to allow the ball to bounce before entering the NVZ. Make sure you give the ball the necessary time to land before moving in to volley. Practicing your footwork will help ensure that you’re consistently making legal plays.

Building Confidence in the Kitchen:

One of the most effective ways to get comfortable with the NVZ is to practice and get familiar with its nuances. Start by mastering the third-shot drop and dinking techniques, which are vital to controlling the kitchen.

Also, work on your positioning and footwork - being able to move in and out of the NVZ smoothly will make a huge difference in your game.

While the NVZ can be intimidating, it doesn’t have to be feared.

By understanding the rules, mastering your positioning, and implementing strategic plays like the third-shot drop and dinking, you’ll soon find that the kitchen is a powerful weapon in your pickleball arsenal.

The key to success is consistency and smart play. So, embrace the challenge and make the non-volley zone a place where you can control the game!

This article was taken from our 'Control the Kitchen' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!