What is the kitchen, and when can I be in it?

The non-volley zone, or "kitchen," is the 7-foot by 20-foot area next to the net on each side. Its lines are part of the zone, and it only covers the ground, not the air above it (Rule 3.A.4.c).

• You may stand in the kitchen at any time and hit balls that have bounced.
• You can't volley (hit the ball out of the air) while you, or anything touching you, including your partner, touches the kitchen or its line (Rule 11.A.1).
• If your momentum from a volley carries you into the kitchen, it's a fault, even after the ball is dead (Rule 11.A.2).
• After being in the kitchen, both feet must be back on the ground outside it before you volley (Rule 11.A.3).