Kitchen rules

Can I stand in the kitchen?

Yes, any time, as long as you don't volley there. You can step in to hit a ball that has bounced; just get both feet back out before your next volley.

Rule 11.A

My momentum carried me into the kitchen after a volley. Is that a fault?

Yes, even if the ball is already dead. If your volley's momentum takes you into the kitchen or onto its line, it's a fault.

Rules 11.A.2, 9.B.1

Is the kitchen line part of the kitchen?

Yes. The lines around the kitchen are part of it, so volleying with a foot on the kitchen line is a fault.

Rules 3.A.4.c, 11.A.1

My paddle, hat or partner touched the kitchen while I volleyed. Fault?

Yes. While you're volleying, nothing touching you may touch the kitchen: your paddle, something you drop, or a partner you lean on.

Rules 11.A.1, 11.A.2, 10.J

Can I jump out of the kitchen and volley in the air?

No. After touching the kitchen, both feet must land outside it before you volley.

Rule 11.A.3

Is an erne legal?

Yes. The kitchen stops at the sidelines, so you can volley from outside the court beside it. Don't touch the kitchen during the volley, and wait for the ball to cross the net.

Rules 3.A.4.c, 11.A.1, 13.F.1

Who can call a kitchen fault?

Any player. Kitchen faults and service foot faults are the only faults you can call on your opponents, and you're expected to call your own. If the teams disagree, replay the rally.

Rules 9.B.2, 9.B.3