By Mark Peifer, USA Pickleball Certified Referee; Past Chairman, USA Pickleball Rules Committee
QUESTION: My partner was in the kitchen returning a dink, which was then returned to us. I did not go for the ball as my partner was still in the kitchen. I thought we lost the point if one of us was in the kitchen when we returned the ball. My partner said it was ok for me to return the ball. Which one of us is correct?
ANSWER: Your partner was correct. The only time you can’t be in the kitchen, otherwise known as the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), is during a volley. That is why it’s called the Non-Volley Zone; don’t be there while hitting a volley. What’s interesting is that you can be in the NVZ while your partner is outside the NVZ, volleying the ball! I consider these two videos by Pickleball Channel the best videos made on the Non-Volley Zone and their associated rules. They explain your situation and many others very well. Here are the links to the videos, which are provided with permission:
