Most pickleball players are familiar with the "kitchen zone", also known as the no-volley zone, which is a key difference from the badminton court. While the corresponding line in badminton is 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) from the net, in pickleball it is 7 feet (213 cm). Why was this additional distance introduced?
Dennis Dacey, USAPA Rules Chairman, explains that the no-volley zone was tested at various distances in the early years of pickleball. After extensive testing, the developers agreed that the 7-foot line offered the ideal solution. Interestingly, this was independent of the badminton line and was based more on player experience.
The extra distance allows players to make more precise drop shots and creates a more balanced game between tall and short players. This adjustment also takes into account that pickleball is played at a faster pace and the ball behaves differently than a shuttlecock.
The history of the Kitchen Zone shows how pickleball has adapted to the needs of players through constant optimization. If you want to learn more about the origins of the sport, we recommend an interview with Barney McCallum, one of the inventors of pickleball.
