Rules FAQs

Can I step into the kitchen before the ball contacts my side of the court?

Answer: Yes, a player can legally step into the kitchen at any time, as long as they are not hitting a volley. The kitchen zone restricts positioning only when hitting a volley. Players can enter the kitchen to play shots off the bounce or adjust their positioning as long as no volley is attempted.

Can I fall into the kitchen after hitting a volley if the point is over?

Answer: No, a player cannot fall into the kitchen after hitting a volley, even if the ball has bounced twice. Players must maintain their balance after hitting a volley to avoid making contact with the kitchen zone. This rule applies whether the rally is still live or has ended.

Can I assist my partner from falling into the kitchen after they hit a volley?

Answer: Yes, players may assist their partners to prevent them from making contact with the kitchen zone after hitting a volley. However, assistance is only permitted if the assisting player is positioned outside the kitchen zone. Assistance provided from inside the kitchen zone results in a fault.

What is the ruling if the ball strikes the crossbar on a temporary or semi-permanent net?

Answer: The rally is replayed. If the ball strikes the crossbar after crossing the net or bouncing in the opposing court, the ruling is a let (replay).

What happens if an item I’m wearing or carrying falls into the kitchen as the result of hitting a volley?

Answer: It results in a fault. Any item that falls from a player’s person into the kitchen while hitting a volley—including hats, sunglasses, or a paddle—will result in a kitchen violation. If the player is not playing a volley, falling objects do not cause a kitchen violation.

If a serve lands on the kitchen line, is it a fault?

Answer: Yes, it is a fault. A serve must completely clear the kitchen and its boundary lines. While other lines marking the service box are considered in bounds, the kitchen line is out of bounds for serves.

When does the kitchen (non-volley zone) rule apply?

Answer: The kitchen rule applies only when hitting a volley (a shot played out of the air). A player cannot make contact with the kitchen zone or its lines while hitting a volley. However, players can be in contact with the kitchen zone at any time if they are playing a shot off the bounce.

Is it possible to commit a foot fault if I play a shot off the bounce?

Answer: No, it is impossible to commit a foot fault related to the kitchen zone when playing a shot off the bounce. Kitchen zone foot faults can only occur when hitting volleys.

What happens if I make contact with the net or net posts during a rally?

Answer: Contact with the net or net posts during a rally results in a fault, and the rally is awarded to the opposing team. Players must avoid any physical contact with the net or net posts while a rally is ongoing.

Can I reach over the net to hit a shot?

Answer: A player must allow the ball to cross the plane of the net before making contact. However, a follow-through past the net is allowed as long as contact is made on the hitting player’s side of the net. The one exception is when wind or spin causes the ball to move backward past the plane of the net after landing in-bounds. In this case, a player is allowed to reach over the net to make contact but must still avoid touching the net.

What happens if the ball strikes a player in the air?

Answer: The player or team struck by the ball loses the rally. If the ball hits any part of a player, including their clothing or equipment, it is considered a loss of the rally. This applies to any shot during a rally, regardless of the player’s position on the court.