How to Get to the Kitchen Line Without Getting Killed

If you’ve ever tried to get to the kitchen line and felt like you were sprinting through a war zone, you’re not alone. Your partner’s already there waiting—but every time you try to move in, you get wrecked. Why? Because you’ve got two ball-smashing monsters on the other side of the net doing everything they can to keep you back. And if you feed them a high ball while you’re in motion? You’re toast.

“Get to the kitchen line as fast as possible, no matter what.” That advice? Garbage at higher levels. At higher levels of play, charging recklessly is a great way to get punished. The better path? Prioritize safety and control by slowing the ball down with well-placed third-ball drops and more importantly fifths and sevenths, until it’s safe to move in.

With today’s paddle technology and the influx of ex-tennis players bringing heat from the kitchen line, you’re not always going to make it to the kitchen in 1 or 2 shots. Sometimes it takes four, or five. That’s not failure—it’s smart Pickleball.

Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Smart

The goal is to take time away from your opponents, not from yourself. Don’t rush the transition. Don’t panic. Instead of forcing a perfect third ball and sprinting forward blindly, focus on placement, control, and court awareness. Watch your opponents. Are their paddles dropping? That’s your cue to start moving in. Stop before they hit their next shot, then keep moving.

Too many players hit and run at the same time. That usually ends with a popped-up ball and massive consequences. If you stop before each opponent’s contact, you’re giving yourself the best chance to defend the next shot. No, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be good enough to survive the rally. Over the net is way better than in the net!

And let’s face it: in today’s game, “low” doesn’t always mean “safe.” People are attacking balls from knee height. So, shift your mindset. Instead of thinking, I’ve got two shots to make it up, start thinking, I’ll take as many shots as it takes. Whether it’s 3, 5, or 10 balls, your job is to keep resetting until you’re safely at the line.

Train for the Transition

Practicing is key! Grab a drill partner and have them feed fast, low balls at your feet while you work on third and fifth ball drops. Don’t worry about being perfect, just focus on getting the ball back over the net and keeping it unattackable. This builds consistency, confidence, and the kind of muscle memory that translates into safer, smarter transitions during a game.

Bottom Line

Getting to the kitchen line is essential. But getting there alive is the real win. Slow it down, stop before contact, keep your drops unattackable as possible, and give yourself permission to take your time. The more control you have, the less likely you are to get smoked on the way in.

Trust me, your body (and your partner) will thank you.