Pickleball balls are essential equipment for the game, made of lightweight plastic with holes according to pickleball ball rules. There are two main types: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are softer and lighter, suitable for gym surfaces, while outdoor balls are heavier and more durable for rough outdoor courts. The balls have specific sizes, weights, and numbers of holes, affecting their performance. They’re designed for consistent bounce and speed, with larger holes making the game slower indoors and smaller holes increasing speed outdoors.

Professional players prefer brands like Onix, Dura Fast 40, and Engage Encore 6.0. The USAPA approves certain brands for sanctioned tournaments. While some pickleball balls are recyclable, repurposing old balls for various uses like dog toys or plant pot drainers is common.

What are pickleball balls?

The pickleball ball is an essential part of the pickleball equipment and is hit by paddles by both sides of players. According to Pickleball ball rules, these balls are made with lightweight plastic that carries holes in it. 

Pickleball, with its growing popularity, offers players two distinct types of balls based on where the game is played: indoor and outdoor. Indoor pickleball balls, characterized by their lighter weight and softer texture, are crafted from a lightweight plastic that facilitates ease of handling. These balls excel on indoor surfaces, leading to longer games with slower rallies. Featuring larger holes that contribute to their reduced weight and slower movement, indoor pickleball balls adhere strictly to the regulations set forth in pickleball ball rules.

On the other hand, outdoor pickleball balls present notable differences in color, hole size, and weight compared to their indoor counterparts. Crafted with thicker plastic to withstand the rigors of outdoor courts, these balls possess larger holes and greater air resistance, tailored specifically to endure rougher surfaces like asphalt and concrete.

Onix fuse, Onix Durafast 40, and Penn 40, are trusted brands and create balls according to pickleball ball rules. If we talk about the lifespan of pickleball it lasts according to the condition you kept the ball in. If the ball is frequently and harshly used it will wear out too soon and if you take proper care. It can last up to several months.

But if you feel the frequency of bounce of the ball is decreasing it means you are also decreasing the lifespan of the ball. To enhance the period of the pickleball ball, keep it with great care and properly store it. 

How do you play pickleball ball?

According to pickleball ball rules.  The ball must be bounced by each player before the volley. Let’s have a look at the pickleball serving rules to understand the pickleball rules. 

Serving rules 

Here is a summary of pickleball rules. The 6 key pickleball serving rules

1. Pickleball serve must be made by backhand or underhand motion: In simpler terms, when serving the ball in pickleball, the server’s arm needs to move in an upward curve. Hitting the ball from above or from the side isn’t allowed.
2. The pickleball paddle position should be under the waist when the ball strikes the paddle. According to the pickleball rules, The spot where your pickleball paddle hits the ball should be lower than your waist. If you’re taller, this spot might be a bit higher.
3. Paddle head position: When you hit the ball with your paddle, the top part of the paddle should be lower than the highest point of your wrist. This rule encourages you to swing the paddle in an upward motion. Your whole paddle needs to be under your hand, not above it when you serve.
4. Serve must be made diagonally: According to the pickleball ball rule, when you serve, the ball must land in the service area diagonally opposite to where you stand. This rule is similar to tennis, where the serve is always made diagonally across the court.
5. Feet position when serving: To serve correctly in pickleball, ensure your feet are positioned properly. At least one foot must be touching the playing surface behind the baseline when you hit the ball. Additionally, your feet must stay within the imaginary extension of the sideline and the centerline, which borders the service box.
6. One serve per serve: According to the pickleball rule, you only get one chance to serve. Unlike tennis, if your serve is not good (a fault), you don’t get another try. Instead, the serve goes to your partner or the other team, resulting in a side-out.

What kind of ball is used in pickleball?

For pickleball players use a round perforated and plastic ball with no weight that helps it to fly high and bounce more. Pickle ball is the almost same size as a baseball. There are different numbers of hole on both the pickleball, indoor, and outdoor balls. 26 to 40. And the space between each pore is perfectly even. Pickleballs typically come in vibrant colors. Each color serves a purpose, ensuring optimal visibility and performance for players on different court surfaces. Some are explained in the figure below.

What does pickleball ball look like?

Pickleball balls are almost the size of a baseball and resemble wiffle balls. pickleball size is 7.29 cm in diameter. Pickleball is a lightweight made with high-quality plastic. The Pickleball ball has evenly spread holes on it. But number of holes on the indoor ball is 40 and 26 on the outdoor. Pickleball has several colors to increase visibility it comes in green, yellow, orange, and red colors. Both indoor and outdoor have different weights. 

What are the main types of pickleball balls?

There are two main types of pickleball balls 

Outdoor pickleball: outdoor pickleball balls are designed to be used for rough playing surfaces like asphalt and concrete grounds. outdoor pickleball is slightly heavier than indoor pickleball balls. due to which they can resist air and perform well. They are more durable and come in different colors. Outdoor pickleball has 26 evenly spread small holes on it. 

Indoor pickleball: indoor pickleball is slightly lighter than outdoor pickleball balls. Indoor pickleball is designed for smooth surfaces like gyms etc. It has 40 evenly spread large holes. Which makes it bouncy. Indoor pickleball are little slower than outdoor 

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?

FEATURES	OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL	INDOOR PICKLEBALL
Pickleball is made of	It is made of hard plastic	It is made of soft plastic
Weight of the pickleball	Outdoor balls are heavier than indoor balls	Indoor balls are lighter
Number and size of holes	Holes on outdoor pickleball are smaller and present in fewer amount	Holes are larger and more holes are there on indoor pickleball.
Made for	These balls are made for rough surfaces, asphalt and concrete	They are made for smooth surfaces for indoor games

1. Indoor pickleball balls

• Indoor pickleball balls are made of soft plastic to use for smooth surfaces 
• The diameter of indoor pickleball is approximately 7.3 cm 
• And the size of indoor pickleball is about 22 to 26.5 grams 
• Bright colors such as light green, yellow, and orange are used for indoor pickleball balls. 
• The durability ratio of pickleball is lower than outdoor pickleball
• Indoor pickleball balls are bouncy

2. Outdoor Pickleball balls

• Outdoor pickleball balls are made of harder plastic to withstand outdoor conditions 
• The diameter of the outdoor pickleball is approximately 7.3 cm 
• Outdoor pickleball is heavier than indoor and weights about 23 to 26.5 grams
• Outdoor pickleball are available in bright colors such as green yellow and orange
• Outdoor pickleball are made more durable to withstand in harsh environments such as concrete and asphalt surfaces 
• They have consistent bounce capacity, the same as indoor pickleball. 

How much do pickleball balls weigh?

Outdoor and indoor have slight differences in weight. Outdoor pickleball is heavier and weighs about 23 to 26.5 grams and indoor pickleball weighs about 22 to 26.5 grams. These balls have a specific weight that can’t be less or increased. It ensures to meet particular requirements of weight and consistent gameplay. If it builds according to the rules of pickleball it can save the game like bounce issues and flight characteristics of the ball. So it is crucial to maintain the ball weight for fair play. 

Do pickleball balls have to be a specific size?

Yes, pickleball balls have come with a specific size of about 7.3 cm in diameter. The size is set by official pickleball rules. The inch size of the ball is 2.875. size ensures the consistency in gameplay. And it helps in fair play and uniformity in the sport. 

Why do pickleball balls have holes?

Holes in the pickleball ball have a crucial role in the game. Holes ensure consistent and accurate movement during the game. These also make the ball bounce, reduce air resistance, and allow the ball to travel fast. 

• Manufacturing of holes on the ball: The number of holes and size are carefully imposed on the ball to ensure consistency and flight trajectory. 
• Effect on the gameplay: holes of the pickleball directly impact the game Large holes in indoor pickleball cause the game to be slower and have more control. And the smaller holes make the ball move faster and more challenging. 
• Aerodynamic: Holes on the ball help to reduce the air resistance and perform well
• Bounce and Speed: holes also affect the speed and regulate it making it suitable for the slow-paced pickleball. Holes also contribute to the bounce characteristics. 

Compared to Pickleball other sports balls don’t have holes in them because for the following reasons 

• Many other balls like soccer, basketball, and tennis balls are played on smooth surfaces to optimize their aerodynamics.
• Holes on the ball can affect the bounce property, and these plays rely on the bounce ability of the ball. 
• Sold balls without holes are more durable and don’t wear out too soon. 

What are pickleball balls made of?

Both outdoor and indoor pickleballs are made of plastic, resin, and polymer with holes in them. indoor balls are made of lighter plastic while outdoor balls are hard to withstand in harsh environments. Here is the list of specifications for making pickleball. 

Now let’s have a look at the material used in both outdoor and indoor pickleball

Indoor pickleball is made of: Typically indoor pickleballs are made of soft plastic for indoor smooth surfaces like gym floors etc. Indoor pickleball has a larger number of holes and hole sizes just to provide consistent performance and durability. 

Outdoor pickleball is made of: Generally, indoor pickleballs are made of hard plastic with less number of holes and smaller sizes. They are designed to make games more challenging and to play games with high speed. They are made of hard plastic to ensure not to wear out on hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. 

Do children use the same pickleball balls as adults?

Yes, there is no specific category for the children. the children play with the same ball as adults there is no difference. However, some manufacturers offer pickleball designed for kids to enhance their playing skills and learn how to play the game.  Children may benefit from soft and lightweight balls for beginner children just to increase their interest in the game and smooth playing. Following factors must be considered while buying pickleball for beginner children:

Are you confused about which color your pickleball ball should be?

If you are looking for the color of the pickleball balls then it’s important to know that there are no limitations on colors however balls are made with lighter and brighter colors just to make them more visible. Your color choice also matters when playing the game outdoors and indoors. 

• Most popular colors of pickleball: The most common and widely used colors of pickleball are neon green and yellow
• Indoor pickleball color: the most popular color of pickleball which is used indoors is yellow. Because it is more visible as compared to other colors of pickleball and it can be tracked easily. 
• Outdoor pickleball: The most popular colors of pickleball for outdoor plays are neon green or bright yellow. These colors are suitable for outdoor backgrounds for example green tennis courts
• Color for tournaments: Gaming bodies regulate tournament colors, i.e., USA Pickleball Association. But some colors are specified for the tournament play: bright yellow and neon green. 

What to look for when buying pickleball

The following points to consider while purchasing the pickleball ball. 

• Ensure the material is durable and suitable for all types of play like indoor and outdoor.
• Ensure the size and weight of the pickleball, the size must be 7.3 in diameter and the weight must be under 22 to 26.5 grams.
• There is collection of colors like neon yellow, green, and orange to increase visibility.
• Ensure the bounce ability for fair play.

How do I choose a pickleball ball?

Ensure the material size and weight to ensure it suits your playing preferences.

First of all decide which game you going to play indoors or outdoors then select accordingly. Additionally, pay attention to the ball’s bounce and feel, as these factors can impact your gameplay experience. Finally, try out different brands and models to find the one that best fits your playing style and comfort level. You can purchase pickleball balls from sporting goods stores, online retailers, or your local pickleball facility.

Which pickleball balls rank in the top 10 in 2024?

Here are the top ten ranked pickleball balls in following figure:

What are the Best Pickleball Balls in Canada and the US

The most popular pickleball balls are:

• Pickleball now
• Engage
• Gamma
• Franklin sports
• Onix
• Dura Fast 

What pickleball balls do the pros use?

Professional pickleball players do have their own preferences. Different professionals use different brands according to their tastes 

Here is the list of the most commonly used brands mentioned in following figure:

These are the popular brands of balls that professionals use due to their amazing features like material size, weight, etc. 

Which ball is commonly used in pickleball tournaments?

The professional players used the Dura Fast-40 most commonly. Because they are the most reliable and easy to handle. Balls typically come lightweight and durable with perforation in it and are used in tournaments. 

What type of balls are used on the PPA Tour?

They used fastballs that could be a better choice for beginners’ Vulcan VPRO Flight. Other kinds of balls are also seen in the PPA tour Including Onix Pure 2 outdoor pickleball, Dura Fast 40, and Franklin X-40 Outdoor pickleball. 

Paddleball ball vs pickleball ball – are they the same?

No pickleball balls and paddle balls are not the same, they have little differences among them.

Ball Type	Paddleball Balls	Pickleball Balls
Material	Hard plastic	Soft plastic
Weight	Slightly heavier	Lighter
Perforations	No Perforations	Perforated
Design	Designed for faster pace and hard play	Designed for slower pace and shorter courts

Can pickle balls be used as wiffle balls?

Yes, pickleball can be used as a WIFFLE ball. But WIFFLE ball is slightly less in weight as compared to Pickleball. Pickleball has evenly spread round holes while WIFFLE ball has 8 oblong holes on it. Which affects the performance so it would be better to use the appropriate ball for each game. 

Pickleball Ball vs. Tennis Ball: What’s the Real Difference?

Ever wondered how pickleball and tennis are different? Let’s break it down

• First, the courts: tennis courts are big, while pickleball courts are smaller and easier to cover, which is great for beginners. Tennis can be played on different surfaces, but pickleball usually sticks to hard ones like concrete.
• Now, let’s talk about the equipment: tennis rackets are bigger and heavier, bouncier balls. Pickleball paddles are smaller, lighter, and made from different materials. Pickleball balls are also lighter and slower.
• Scoring is different too: in tennis, you get two chances to score, while in pickleball score every point, and the first team to 11 wins.
• Serving styles vary: tennis serves diagonally, while pickleball serves underhand and below the waist.
• Lastly, playing styles: tennis is all about power, while pickleball focuses on control, often staying closer to the net.

What are USAPA Approved Pickleball Balls

USAPA approved some brands of pickleball that are used in sanctioned tournaments. USAPA set some standards for pickleball that must be met by the ball. Here is the list of approved pickleball balls. 

• Dura Fast-40
• Onix Pure 2 outdoor
• Franklin X-40
• Gamma photon indoor
• Engage poach advantage 

Above are a few examples of approved balls by USAPA 

Are pickle balls recyclable?

It depends on the material. If a pickleball ball is made of TPE then it is eco-friendly and can be recycled easily. TPE pickleballs have great features like they are soft and have amazing bounce ability. And if the balls are made of PVC and PP they are not easy to recycle. 

What can I do with old pickle balls?

You can use it for a variety of things. You may use it as a dog toy, cut it in half, and use it as plant pot drainers, you can donate it or can use it in teaching classes, etc. you can use old pickleballs for training and practice. You can use balls as solo practice drills. You can use them to bounce against the walls. You can also donate to recycle programmed who accept rubber and plastic materials. 

FAQS

What are pickleball balls?

 Pickleball balls are essential equipment hit by paddles in the game. They are made of lightweight plastic with holes, as per pickleball ball rules.

What are the main types of pickleball balls?

Indoor pickleball balls and outdoor pickleball balls. Indoor balls are softer and lighter, while outdoor balls are tougher and heavier, designed for rough surfaces.

How do you play pickleball?

According to pickleball ball rules, each player must bounce the ball before volleying.

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?

Features, weight, material, and suitability for surfaces distinguish them. Indoor balls are lighter, softer, and have larger holes for smoother surfaces, while outdoor balls are heavier and tougher for rougher play.

How much do pickleball balls weigh?

Outdoor balls weigh around 23 to 26.5 grams, while indoor balls weigh about 22 to 26.5 grams.

Why do pickleball balls have holes?

Holes ensure consistent movement, reduce air resistance, regulate speed, and impact bounce characteristics, crucial for gameplay.

 What are pickleball balls made of?

They are made of plastic, resin, and polymer with evenly spread holes, with variations for indoor and outdoor play.

Do children use the same pickleball balls as adults?

Yes, although some manufacturers offer balls specifically designed for kids to enhance their playing experience.

What to look for when buying pickleball balls?

Consider durability, size, weight, color for visibility, and bounce ability for fair play

Which pickleball balls rank in the top 10 in 2024?

Top-ranked balls include Niupipo MX27, Vulcan VPRO FLIGHT, Franklin X-40 Outdoor, and others.

What are the Best Pickleball Balls in Canada and the US?

Popular brands include Pickleball Now, Engage, Gamma, Franklin Sports, and Onix Dura Fast

What pickleball balls do the pros use?

Professionals prefer brands like Onix Pure 2, Dura Fast 40, Engage Encore 6.0, and Franklin X-40 for their features.

Can pickle balls be used as wiffle balls?

Yes, although they have slight differences in weight and hole patterns.

What’s the difference between a Pickleball Ball and a Tennis Ball?

Courts, equipment, scoring, serving styles, and playing styles differ between the two sports.

What are USAPA Approved Pickleball Balls?

Approved brands include Dura Fast-40, Onix Pure 2 outdoor, Franklin X-40, Gamma photon indoor, and Engage Poach Advantage.

Are pickle balls recyclable?

It depends on the material; TPE pickleballs are eco-friendly and recyclable, while PVC and PP balls are not easily recyclable.

 What can I do with old pickle balls?

Repurpose them as dog toys, or plant pot drainers, donate them, or use them in teaching classes, among other creative ideas.