Everyone knows that you cannot hit the ball before it bounces if you are in the kitchen. What some may not realize is that you cannot let your momentum from hitting a volley carry you into the kitchen after you hit the ball.

I have seen players try to avoid crossing the kitchen line by falling forward on their hands or even stopping themselves by placing their paddle on the court. That doesn’t cut it. No part of your body and nothing you are carrying or wearing may touch the kitchen.

If you are faltering near the kitchen line, trying to gain your footing but falling forward, a quick thinking partner may be able to pull you back before you cross the line. That’s perfectly legal and that’s what a good partner can do for you.

If your partner can’t rescue you, about the only thing you can try is to cross the sideline before you violate the kitchen line so that when you do falter forward at least you are outside the court and kitchen sidelines. That’s ok and it’s great footwork.

Are you avoiding the kitchen?

Bev writes a weekly email blast for our pickleball club. She delivers the rules with clarity and a sense of humor. If you have a rules question post it in the comments below.