The kitchen—also known as the non-volley zone—is one of the most strategic and misunderstood areas on a pickleball court. It’s the 7-foot space on either side of the net where volleys (hitting the ball out of the air) aren’t allowed, and it plays a huge role in both offence and defence.
But let’s be real: defending the kitchen isn’t always easy. When you’re being peppered with fast-paced dinks, drives, and unexpected lobs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The good news? With the right positioning, technique, and mindset, you can turn kitchen chaos into calm, calculated control—and even flip the script on aggressive opponents.
Let’s break it down.
Why the Kitchen Matters
The kitchen might be small, but it’s where big things happen. It’s the battleground of dinks, resets, and strategic blocks—where rallies are won and lost. Standing confidently at the kitchen line allows you to cut off angles, apply pressure, and minimize the time your opponent has to react.
But defending the kitchen isn’t just about standing there. It’s about how you stand, how you move, and how you respond to what’s coming at you.
1. Stay Balanced and Ready
It all starts with your stance.
Defending the kitchen requires an athletic posture: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight forward on the balls of your feet. Your paddle should be up and out in front of your chest, ready to block or redirect incoming shots.
This ready position lets you react quickly, whether the ball comes low and soft or fast and hard.
2. Master the Reset
If you only remember one kitchen defence move, make it the reset.
A reset is a soft, controlled shot that gently arcs into your opponent’s kitchen, effectively slowing down the rally and shifting the momentum. It’s perfect for when you’re off-balance, out of position, or under attack.
Instead of trying to match power with power, a reset allows you to absorb the energy of your opponent’s shot and send it back with touch and finesse. Think of it as a strategic pause button during a hectic rally.
3. Use Defensive Lobs (Sparingly)
If you’re getting overwhelmed at the kitchen line, a well-placed lob can be your escape route.
The key is to use it strategically, not as a panic shot. Aim your lob high and deep, ideally to your opponent’s non-dominant side or backhand. This forces them to retreat, giving you time to reposition yourself.
Lobs are risky, though. If they’re too short or too low, you might be gifting your opponent a smash. Practice them so you can use them with confidence, not desperation.
4. Move with Purpose
Footwork is everything when you’re defending the kitchen.
Use small, controlled shuffle steps to stay close to the line without stepping into the kitchen. Avoid standing flat-footed or backing into “no man’s land”—the awkward zone between the kitchen and the baseline—where you’ll have neither reach nor reaction time.
Good footwork helps you stay in the right spot and react smoothly to dinks, drives, and lobs alike.
5. Dink with Intent
Dinks aren’t just soft shots—they’re smart shots.
A good defensive dink keeps your opponent from attacking by staying low over the net and landing softly in their kitchen. The goal is to keep the ball “unattackable.” Vary your placement to make them move: cross-court, straight-on, or even middle.
Defensive dinking isn’t passive—it’s about applying subtle pressure and waiting for your chance to go on offence.
Pro Tips for Better Kitchen Defence
Here are a few bonus tips to take your kitchen game to the next level:
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Anticipate your opponent’s shots. Watch their paddle angle and body movement to read what’s coming next.
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Relax your grip. A softer grip helps with touch shots like resets and dinks.
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Protect the middle. In doubles, communicate with your partner to avoid confusion on balls hit down the center.
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Stay light on your feet. Avoid planting your heels—be ready to move in any direction.
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Don’t panic. If you’re under pressure, don’t swing wildly. Play high-percentage shots and work your way back into control.
Try These Kitchen Defence Drills
Looking to practice? Try these simple drills:
Reset Rally: Have your partner hit firm shots while you practice resetting into the kitchen. Focus on touch and paddle control.
Cross-Court Dink & Reset: Engage in cross-court dink rallies, mixing in resets when you’re pulled wide or off-balance.
Lob Under Pressure: Set up a drill where you’re forced to lob when rushed, then recover to the line.
Final Thoughts
Defending the kitchen doesn’t mean playing scared. It means playing smart. When you stay balanced, dink with purpose, and use resets and lobs wisely, you can turn defence into offence and keep the point on your terms.
Ready to level up your game?
If you want to learn new skills like these—and put them into practice with real coaching support—join us for one of our Skills & Drills sessions at IPOP. Whether you’re working on resets, footwork, or advanced strategy, our rotating lineup of topics and coaches will help you grow your game in a fun, focused environment.
📍Click here to check out our upcoming sessions and sign up today!
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Book a private lesson with one of IPOP’s accredited professional coaches. You’ll get one-on-one attention, customized to what you want to work on—whether it’s defending the kitchen, sharpening your dinks, or prepping for your next tournament.
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