DR. DINK-IT says

"GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN"

We all know, I hope, that you must be OUT OF the kitchen (non-volley zone) when you volley the ball (take it out of the air). The area of the non-volley zone (the kitchen) is bordered by and includes the two sidelines, the non-volley line, and the net.

And, we all know, that the best place to stand during a match is just behind (a couple of inches) the non-volley zone line. It’s the primo attack position. Take my word for it. You’ll always see tournament players at the non-volley zone line.

And, we all know that no one knows where “the kitchen” got the name “the kitchen.” But, it’s cute.

But, not all of us know that during a volley if our glasses, hat, scarf, hearing aid, false teeth or anything we are wearing lands in the kitchen that it is the opponent’s point. Technically, you are in the kitchen. In fact, if you hit a ball and your paddle hits the court in the kitchen, it is your opponent’s point.

Additionally, if after hitting a winning volley, you somehow end-up in the kitchen, your winner just became a loser, even if the point was over and the ball was dead, and your momentum carried you into the kitchen.

And, one more thing. If you see your partner about to fall into the kitchen after volleying a ball, you can quick like a fox grab the back of her shirt and prevent her from falling in. Just be certain you are not in the kitchen when you perform this act of mercy.

The only time you can legally step into the kitchen to hit a ball is if it bounces there. Nothing else is legal; nothing, nothing, nothing.

One other non-rule, rule: Once you are at the kitchen line, mentally anchor yourself there. Do not back up, not even a foot. But, feel free to move side-to-side with your partner (called shadowing).

I know, we’ll talk about hitting lobs and backing–up, in a future dialogue. Did you know that only 1 out of every 137 shots is a lob?

“So, Dr. Know-It-All, when can I step into the kitchen?” Any time you want, just don’t volley the ball while you are in the kitchen.

AND

There’s always time for one more game.

Dr. Dink-It