What are the pickleball kitchen rules? While the sport of pickleball isn’t nearly as old as tennis, it has surged in popularity in the past few years. The sport’s accessible rules and lack of expensive equipment make it accessible to anyone who wants to give it a try.
Pickleball is easy to learn for newcomers and offers plenty of opportunities for players of all skill levels. With that being said, there are a few pickleball kitchen rules and changes for 2023 that you should keep in mind.
The sport of pickleball is growing rapidly and there are already numerous pickleball clubs and events to keep you busy. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting new pickleball sport and the pickleball kitchen rules and changes for 2023 that you need to know.
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Pickleball Kitchen Rules 2023
There have been a few changes to pickleball and kitchen rules over the last year and for the upcoming pickleball season. To start, the time allowed for games has been increased to seven minutes instead of six. This change will help speed up the pace of the game and prevent players from having long pauses between points.
Also, the size of the court has been reduced from twenty-six to twenty-five meters. This change is meant to make the action closer to the net and encourage offensive play. The kitchen size remains 7-feet on either side of the net and it is a no volley zone.
There have also been some rule clarifications added to the kitchen rules. These changes are meant to help reduce the confusion and frustration of new players while also making the sport safer for all involved.
What is the kitchen in Pickleball and how big is it?
The kitchen is the central area of a pickleball court containing two white lined boxes on either side of the net. It is designated as a no volley zone. The kitchen measures 7-feet on each side of the net and extends to the side lines.
The kitchen is an area where return volleys are not permitted, even if your momentum carries you into it. The process of returning a pickleball must remain outside of the kitchen entirely or it results in a fault. Another name for the kitchen is the “no-volley zone”.
Here’s a great video explaining what the Kitchen is in pickleball
What do the pickleball kitchen lines mean?
The pickleball kitchen lines mark the outer boundaries of the official play area. Like the scoring area, the lines also exist purely as a visual reference. In a match, the lines are sacred. They are not to be crossed nor are they to be stepped on.
Related – Need a NEW Pickleball Paddle? See the TOP picks here!
The first kitchen line is 15-feet back from the service line and 7-feet from the net. The width of the kitchen is 20 feet from sideline to sideline. Kitchen lines are typically white but can vary in color and material. Some kitchen lines can be drawn in chalk.
How to get better playing inside the kitchen
The best way to improve your game as a newbie is to sign up for a league and play regularly. Pickleball leagues are great ways to meet other players, coaches, and volunteers. Most leagues have social events, clinics, and open play on the weekend. The more you put into the sport, the more you receive out of it.
Tips for mastering the kitchen in pickleball
–Pay attention to the ball. This is the number one tip for all players. In pickleball, the ball is always moving. You have to be alert and focused to prevent it from going out of bounds or into your opponent’s court. If you’re not paying attention, the ball could go anywhere!
–Stay hydrated. This is just as important for the kitchen as it is for any other sport. You’ll be sweating profusely while running around the kitchen. Keeping yourself well-hydrated with water or sports drink is important to avoid getting dehydrated.
–Not all the courts in your complex can be pickleball courts. Make sure the kitchen court is allowed in your neighborhood association rules before attempting to use it for pickleball.
–Have fun! At the end of the day, pickleball is a sport that should be enjoyed. If you’re not having fun, something is definitely wrong.
–Don’t be afraid to ask questions. While pickleball is a very accessible sport, there are still a few things you need to know before you start playing. Ask your fellow pickleball players or the more experienced players you see at the courts.
Wrapping It Up
The pickleball kitchen rules and changes for 2023 are just a few of the many updates taking place for the upcoming season. With easy-to-learn rules, a low entry barrier, and a lack of expensive equipment, pickleball is a great sport for all ages and skill levels.
If you’re new to the sport, you can easily join a pickleball club or learn to play at a club or recreational league. Joining a pickleball club can help you meet other players, learn new skills, and receive assistance with your game.
If you’re already a seasoned pickleball pro, take some of these pickleball kitchen rules and changes for 2023 to help make your game better. No matter your skill level, there’s a spot for everyone in this exciting new pickleball sport.