What Does the ‘Kitchen’ Mean in Pickleball?
Pickleball is a racquet sport that has been gaining popularity worldwide. It’s an exciting sport that combines elements of tennis and badminton with some unique rules and strategies. At its heart, pickleball is an incredibly fun game to play, but there’s one thing that might be confusing for new players: the term “kitchen.” So why is it called the kitchen in pickleball?
The Kitchen Line Explained
In pickleball, the kitchen line is a special rule that says no players can hit the ball into their opponent’s side on their serve. It also applies when returning serves or during defensive volleys. The kitchen line runs parallel to each court’s baseline and extends 7 feet from it (it can vary slightly depending on court size). This means if you hit your shot past this line, it counts as out of bounds!
Why Is It Called A Kitchen?
The origin story of the kitchen remains somewhat mysterious; however, many believe it was named after someone who worked in a restaurant or other food-service establishment. According to legends within pickleball circles, this person had served too close several times during games before being told about the “kitchen rule” by another player. Thusly inspired, they named what we know today as “the kitchen” after their place of work – thus giving us all something else to laugh at while playing!
Conclusion
So there you have it – now you know why it’s called “the kitchen” in pickleball! Although we may never know exactly how this quirky name came about for sure, we can certainly appreciate its unique significance within our beloved sport. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years – remember: keep your shots away from those pesky kitchens!