Pickleball Tools

The kitchen (non-volley zone) is the 7-foot area on each side of the net. Players may not volley — hit the ball out of the air — while any part of their body is in the kitchen or touching the kitchen line. Players can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced. The kitchen rule prevents players from dominating at the net by spiking every shot, creating longer rallies and a greater emphasis on dinking (soft shots into the kitchen).

The double bounce rule (also called the two-bounce rule) requires the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys are permitted. The serve must bounce before the receiver returns it; the return must bounce before the serving team can hit it. After these two bounces, both teams may volley. This rule prevents a serve-and-volley strategy and forces longer baseline rallies at the start of each point.

Pickleball paddles are regulated to a maximum length + width of 24 inches combined, with no length maximum exceeding 17 inches. Weight typically runs 6–9oz. Lighter paddles (6–7.5oz) favour control and quick hands at the net; heavier paddles (8–9oz) provide more power on drives. Most beginners start with a mid-weight composite paddle (7–8oz) with a standard grip size. Elongated paddles offer more reach but a smaller sweet spot.