1 of 3 Willa VanGilder, right, about to return a volley, which means to hit the ball before it bounces. Thereâs a 7-foot box on each side of the net where volleys arenât allowed to hit, called the âkitchen.â PHOTO BY DAVID KIRK Sandy West returns a serve. In pickleball, the ball has to bounce on both sides of the court after a serve before volleying can start. PHOTO BY DAVID KIRK The women play in rotating groups, and take turns on the court. Pictured from left are Susan Haun and Willa VanGilder. PHOTO BY DAVID KIRK FAIRMONT â Willa VanGilder is 86-years-old and loves playing pickleball.