Pickleball Non-Volley Zone Rule - Learn the WHOLE RULE | Pickleball Rules

Pickleball Non-Volley Zone Rule - Learn the WHOLE RULE | Pickleball Rules

Timestamps of this video - The Non-Volley Zone Rule
00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Guest CJ Johnson (@Better Pickleball)
01:28 - Practical Explanation of Non-Volley Zone Rule
02:30 - Basic Rule - Non-Volley Zone
02:55 - Momentum Rule - Non-Volley Zone
03:55 - Reestablishment Rule - Non-Volley Zone
05:00 - Common Misconceptions of Non-Volley Zone Rule
05:25 - Some Strategical Rules
07:15 - Ending Part of this video

Every game has rules. The rules tell us what we can do, what we cannot, our objective, and how we win. It is important, however, to maintain perspective. We play pickleball not because of the rules. We play pickleball because of what it gives us: an opportunity to be active and socialize with friends.

Two of the most important pickleball rules are the non-volley zone rule (aka NVZ rule aka kitchen rule) and the two-bounce rule (aka 2-bounce rule). These two rules define the game of pickleball. Without one or both of them, we would be playing a sport that is vastly different than pickleball.

Arguably the most important rule in pickleball is the non-volley zone rule. The area is known as the non-volley zone, or NVZ, or kitchen, is what separates pickleball from tennis and other racket sports (except badminton from whence pickleball originates).

The non-volley zone rule is often mix explained and is an often misunderstood pickleball rule. The non-volley zone rule does not prohibit you from stepping into the non-volley zone. As long as you do not volley the ball in there, you can step into the non-volley zone rule whenever you want.

You also do not have to wait for the ball to bounce to step into the non-volley zone. You can step into the non-volley zone before the ball bounces. As long as you do not volley the ball inside the non-volley zone you will be fine.

The second most important pickleball rule in our opinion is the 2-bounce rule. This rule frames out each pickleball point allowing the return team to have the upper hand at the start of each rally. The serve team then has to hit a third shot or similar technique to neutralize the advantage of the return team.

There are also some lesser-known pickleball rules that players ask about from time to time and that are just interesting. One is that you can hit the ball around the net post into the court. This shot is called the around the post-shot (or ATP). As long as your shot does not hit the net post, if you are pulled wide (really wide), then you can just shoot it into the court. The ball has to land inside your opponent’s side of the court without skipping out of bounds.

On a related note, the net post is out of bounds. A ball hitting the post is out.

If a serve lands on the NVZ line, the serve is a fault. This is because the NVZ line is part of the non-volley zone and serves in the non-volley zone is a fault. This is true even if the ball hits the net first.

If the serve hits a player on the return team before it bounces on the court, the serve team wins the point. This is true even if the ball hit the net first.

Some pickleball rules are strict in nature. The two-bounce rule is a strict rule – if the ball is not allowed to bounce on the serve or return of serve, then the rally is over.

Some pickleball rules have some flexibility in them. The pickleball serve rules are a prime example. Unless the server is gaining an unfair advantage from breaking the rules it is a violation that does not merit attention. The server may have a shoulder or similar injury that limits the range of motion. Is it necessary to call the violation there?

Even the NVZ rule has a bit of flexibility built into it. If a player obviously steps into the NVZ during a volley, then the fault is clear and decides the rally. But what about a player who barely steps into the kitchen? And you are not sure?

Nothing ruins a fun game of pickleball more than a contested fault call. If the fault is obvious it will be self-called or acknowledged and no sweat. But if the fault is less obvious, it is likely to cause disagreement and tension.

The pickleball rules provide the framework within which we play the game. But they are just that – a framework. The real objective when we play pickleball is to enjoy some time moving on the pickleball court with friends. Do not let the rules interfere with your true pickleball objectives.

Good luck out there.
Tony
In2Pickle Player Development
Tony@In2Pickle.com

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