Let’s settle this once and for all: when do you get to the kitchen line?
Ask 10 players, you’ll get 12 opinions. Some say sprint there no matter what. Others hang back like it’s lava. But the truth? Getting to the kitchen line isn’t about blind aggression—it’s about strategy, shot quality, and footwork.
Whether you’re a 3.0 learning the ropes or a tournament player looking to tighten your transition game, here’s your complete playbook.
The Golden Rule: The Goal Is the Kitchen—But Timing Is Everything
Yes, the kitchen line is prime real estate. You control the point there. You apply pressure. You volley, poach, and drop to your heart’s content.
But don’t confuse “get to the kitchen” with “sprint forward no matter what.” That’s how you get passed, popped, or pegged.
Key concept: “The goal is to get to the kitchen. The rule is to move when it’s safe.”
Rule #1: Your Shot Dictates Your Movement
Let’s simplify:
| Shot Quality | Movement |
|---|---|
| Solid low return / drive | Move forward, split step before opponent hits |
| High pop-up or short ball | Stay back or even take a step back |
| Good drop shot | Move in behind the ball with control |
| Mediocre drop | Split step mid-transition, reassess |
If you or your partner hit a quality shot—low, deep, or fast—you’ve earned the right to advance.
If your shot floats like a balloon in a breeze? Hit the brakes.
Pro tip: Don’t move just because it’s “what you’re supposed to do.” Move because your shot earned you space.
Run-Through Return: Your Secret Weapon
According to pro Rob Nunnery, returning serve while in motion is not only okay—it’s essential.
He calls it a “run-through return,” and here’s how it works:
- Start deep in the court.
- As your opponent serves, begin moving forward.
- Hit the return with a short backswing and controlled follow-through.
- Keep your momentum going and arrive at the kitchen by the time your opponent hits their third shot.
Why it works:
- Momentum is already carrying you forward.
- You’re not hitting flat-footed.
- You reach the line sooner, making your fourth shot (and volley) dramatically easier.
Rob’s mantra?
“Be at the kitchen when they hit the third shot. No excuses.”
The Third Shot Drive + Fifth Shot Drop Combo
Some days, your third shot drop just… isn’t dropping.
Enter: the third shot drive followed by a fifth shot drop.
Carlos (PPR-certified coach) breaks it down:
- Drive the third shot to force a weak reply.
- Then hit a softer fifth shot drop and move in behind it.
Why it works:
- It’s easier to execute when your drop game is off or wind is messing with your control.
- Drives are great against spin-heavy returns or high-bouncers.
- You get a second chance to control the pace and move up more confidently.
But don’t just sprint through it—Carlos emphasizes pausing in transition, especially for the fifth shot.
Hit → stop → assess → move.
Split Step = Kitchen Insurance
Whether you’re driving, dropping, or returning serve, there’s one universal rule:
Split step right before your opponent makes contact.
Why?
- It keeps you balanced.
- It allows quick lateral movement.
- It prevents being caught mid-step and flat-footed.
Pro example: Catherine Parenteau (yes, that Catherine) explains that your movement forward needs to pause at impact. Mistiming the split step = disaster.
Transition Like a Pro: From Red Zone to Green Zone
Moving from the baseline to the kitchen line isn’t about charging forward blindly—it’s about reading the situation and making smart, split-second decisions. Pro player Catherine Parenteau breaks this down into three intuitive zones: Green, Yellow, and Red.
These zones aren’t just about ball height—they’re about what your opponent can do with the ball, based on its position and their body mechanics.
✅ Green Zone – Go Time
- Ball Height: Well below your opponent’s knees
- Opponent’s Position: Reaching or stretching, often off balance
- Shot Threat: Low—only defensive options like a dink, drop, or soft reset
- Your Move: Advance confidently behind your shot
Why it works: When your shot forces them into a defensive position, it’s your cue to move up. Take ground and prepare to win the point at the net.
⚠️ Yellow Zone – Pause and Read
- Ball Height: Around your opponent’s waist to chest
- Opponent’s Position: Possibly moving, not fully set
- Shot Threat: Medium—might hit a controlled roll or speed-up, but not a full attack
- Your Move: Hold your position, split step, and assess
Why it’s tricky: This zone is all about balance. The threat isn’t clear-cut, so moving forward without reading the play can get you caught off guard.
🔴 Red Zone – Danger Zone
- Ball Height: Above net level and in their strike zone
- Opponent’s Position: Set and ready, usually at the kitchen line
- Shot Threat: High—prime conditions for an aggressive drive, speed-up, or putaway
- Your Move: Stay put or take a step back, prepare to defend or reset
Why you don’t move: Advancing into a red zone puts you at maximum risk. Your opponent has full control and likely won’t give you a soft ball to work with.
| Opponent’s Contact Point | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Below their knees (Green Light) | Move forward—your shot forced a defensive position |
| Between waist and chest (Yellow) | Pause—stay ready, but don’t commit forward yet |
| Above the net (Red Light) | Stay put or retreat—prepare to defend or reset |
Your job? Stay low, stay balanced, and only advance when the situation gives you the green light. Don’t rush blindly—earn your way to the kitchen line with smart, timed movement.
For Seniors and Slower Movers: Smart Footwork Wins
A few clever adjustments for those who don’t sprint like they used to:
1. Chip-and-Charge Return
Like in tennis—use a crossover step during the return to gain ground as you hit.
2. Float It
Don’t rip the return. Float it high and deep to give yourself time to advance.
3. Use Your Arms
Pump your arms like a sprinter to generate momentum. You’re not admiring your return—you’re chasing it to the kitchen.
4. Partner Help
If your partner is already at the line, they can cover a wider zone while you move in. Trust them to buy you time.
The Real-Life Drill: 7-Eleven Transition Game
Practice the drive + drop combo with this drill:
- One player starts at the kitchen.
- One starts at the baseline.
- Kitchen player has to get 11 points, baseline player gets 7.
- Baseline player uses drive + fifth shot drop combo to transition in.
Why it works: You practice footwork, timing, and split-stepping under real pressure.
The Mental Game: Control, Not Chaos
Players panic in the transition zone. Why?
Because they feel exposed.
But if you:
- Stay low
- Control your swing length
- Keep body weight forward
- Split step on time
…you’ll stop feeling like prey and start playing with purpose.
Final Checklist: When to Move to the Kitchen Line
Before charging forward, ask yourself:
✅ Did I or my partner hit a shot that forces them low or back?
✅ Am I moving with control and balance?
✅ Did I split step before they hit?
✅ Do I know my next shot plan?
If the answer to all is yes—go forth and conquer the kitchen.
Movement Is a Weapon, Not a Guess
The kitchen line is where winners are made—but only if you get there with purpose.
Blind rushing leads to frustration. Smart movement backed by good shots, solid split steps, and intentional footwork? That’s how you own the court.
So the next time someone yells “GET TO THE KITCHEN!” just smile.
You’ll get there—when your shot earns it.
