What kind of ball is used in pickleball?
Pickleball is played with a plastic ball with holes (similar to a wiffle ball but designed specifically for pickleball). These balls are engineered to provide consistent bounce, flight, and durability on both indoor and outdoor courts.
- Material: Hard, smooth plastic (usually polyethylene or composite plastic).
- Design: Hollow, with evenly spaced circular holes.
- Size: 2.87–2.97 inches in diameter.
- Weight: 0.78–0.935 ounces (heavier than a wiffle ball).
Types of Pickleball Balls
There are two official categories:
✅ Indoor Pickleball Balls
- Holes: 26 larger holes.
- Weight: Lighter, softer feel.
- Bounce: More control, easier to place shots.
- Playstyle: Suited for finesse, dinking, and longer rallies.
- Durability: Lasts longer indoors since surfaces are smooth.
- Best For: Gym floors, wooden courts, cushioned indoor courts.
✅ Outdoor Pickleball Balls
- Holes: 40 smaller holes.
- Weight: Heavier and harder.
- Bounce: Faster, more consistent in the wind.
- Playstyle: Power-driven, shorter rallies, quicker pace.
- Durability: Wears down faster due to rough surfaces (asphalt, concrete).
- Best For: Outdoor asphalt or concrete pickleball/tennis courts.
Official Standards
According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA):
- Must be smooth, round, and free of texture.
- Must bounce between 30–34 inches when dropped from 78 inches.
- Approved balls have a stamp from USA Pickleball.
Popular Pickleball Ball Brands
Here are some well-reviewed options:
| Brand & Model | Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dura Fast 40 | Outdoor | Tournament-approved, fast, pro-level play | Cracks faster, less durable |
| Onix Pure 2 | Outdoor | Durable, good for recreational play | Slightly softer, less used in pro tournaments |
| Franklin X-40 | Outdoor | Official US Open ball, widely available | Can lose roundness over time |
| Jugs Indoor Pickleballs | Indoor | Soft feel, great control | Not for outdoor play |
| Onix Fuse Indoor | Indoor | Balanced bounce, consistent | Not as soft as Jugs |
Choosing the Right Ball
- Recreational play: Choose durable balls (Onix Pure 2, Franklin X-26 for indoors).
- Tournament play: Use USAPA-approved balls (Dura Fast 40 or Franklin X-40).
- Windy conditions: Outdoor balls are heavier and cut through wind better.
- Kids/beginners: Indoor balls are slower and easier to control.
Maintenance & Tips
- Store balls indoors at room temperature (heat/cold weakens plastic).
- Rotate balls in play to increase lifespan.
- Replace cracked or soft balls—they lose bounce consistency.
- Expect outdoor balls to last 3–10 games and indoor balls longer (20+ games).
Final Review
- Best overall for outdoor: Franklin X-40 (official tournament ball, durable enough for regular players).
- Best for serious competition: Dura Fast 40 (used in top-level tournaments, fastest ball).
- Best for indoor control: Jugs Indoor Pickleballs (soft, beginner-friendly).
FAQs
What kind of ball is used in pickleball?
A hollow, lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball but specifically designed for pickleball.
Are there different types of pickleball balls?
Yes — indoor balls (26 larger holes, lighter, softer) and outdoor balls (40 smaller holes, heavier, more durable).
What is the official size of a pickleball ball?
Between 2.87–2.97 inches in diameter and weighing 0.78–0.935 ounces.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs?
Indoor balls: lighter, softer, larger holes, longer rallies.
Outdoor balls: heavier, harder, smaller holes, faster play.
What brands of pickleball balls are most popular?
Outdoor: Franklin X-40, Dura Fast 40, Onix Pure 2.
Indoor: Jugs, Onix Fuse Indoor.
How long do pickleball balls last?
Outdoor balls: 3–10 games before cracking or losing shape.
Indoor balls: 20+ games since they’re used on smoother surfaces.
Do I need different balls for indoor and outdoor play?
Yes. Indoor and outdoor balls are designed differently for bounce, control, and durability.
Are all pickleball balls tournament-approved?
No. Only USA Pickleball–approved balls (like Franklin X-40 and Dura Fast 40) can be used in sanctioned tournaments.
Why do pickleball balls have holes?
The holes reduce wind resistance, stabilize flight, and control bounce consistency.
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Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
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