Pickleball balls are unlike any other ball used in racket sports. Here's what makes them unique and how to choose the right one.
What Ball Is Used in Pickleball?
Pickleball uses a hollow, perforated plastic ball that resembles a wiffle ball. To be used in regulated games and tournaments, balls must meet specific criteria set by USA Pickleball (USAPA).
USAPA-approved pickleball balls must have:
- Diameter: 2.874 inches (7.30cm) to 2.972 inches (7.55cm)
- Circumference: 9.029 inches (22.93cm) to 9.337 inches (23.72cm)
- Weight range: 0.78oz (22.11g) to 0.935oz (26.51g)
Additional USAPA Approval Requirements
To meet regulation standards, pickleball balls must also:
- Be uniformly colored (identification markings allowed)
- Have 26 to 40 holes
- Register 40-50 on the Durometer D scale of hardness (tested at 70°F ±5°F)
- Bounce 30-34 inches (76.20-86.36cm) when dropped from 78 inches (tested at 70°F ±5°F)
What Pickleball Balls Are Made Of
Pickleball balls are made from hard plastic designed to withstand high-impact play. The specific type of plastic varies by manufacturer.
Common material: Polypropylene (PP)—rigid, durable, long-lasting with consistent performance and shape retention
There's no required color for pickleballs, but they must be one uniform color (except for identification markings - i.e. brand names and logos). Typically they are made in bright colors for visibility.
Why Pickleball Balls Have Holes
The original pickleball game in 1965 used a wiffle ball—a perforated plastic ball designed for backyard play. The holes served a specific purpose: restrict flight and speed.
Wiffle balls were created for limited-space areas so children could play without damaging property or injuring people. The holes create air drag, which slows the ball down. This design became fundamental to pickleball's development and success. The slower pace makes the sport accessible to all ages—a key factor in pickleball's popularity.
Result: Low-impact gameplay that allows young and old players to compete together
The standard: USAPA-approved balls have 26 to 40 holes. The exact number depends on the manufacturer and model. Outdoor balls have more holes (typically 40) that are smaller; indoor balls have fewer holes (typically 26) that are larger.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Balls
Indoor and outdoor pickleballs differ significantly because they're designed for different environments and surfaces.
Outdoor considerations: Wind resistance, harder court surfaces (concrete, asphalt)
Indoor considerations: Controlled environment, softer surfaces (gymnasium floors, sport surfaces)
Indoor vs. Outdoor Comparison
| Feature | Indoor Ball | Outdoor Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 26 large holes | 40 small holes |
| Material | Soft plastic | Very hard plastic |
| Weight Range | 22.11g (0.78oz) - 24g (0.855oz) | 25.5g (0.9oz) - 26.51g (0.935oz) |
| Diameter Range | 2.874" (7.30cm) - 2.897" (7.36cm) | 2.897" (7.36cm) - 2.972" (7.55cm) |
| Drag & Speed | High drag, low speed | Low drag, higher speed |
| Control & Spin | Easier to control and add spin | Harder to control and add spin |
| Rallies | Long rallies are frequent | Long rallies are rare |
| Durability | More durable, longer lifespan | Shorter lifespan, cracks more easily |
| Noise | Quieter | Louder when struck |
Key Takeaway
Indoor balls: Softer, slower, easier to control—ideal for controlled environments
Outdoor balls: Harder, faster, more durable—built to handle wind and rough surfaces
How Fast Do Pickleball Balls Travel?
Typical speed range: 15-45 mph
Pickleballs travel much slower than tennis balls or badminton shuttlecocks due to their perforated design and air resistance.
Professional smashes: Can reach speeds up to 60 mph
Serves: Particularly slow due to the underhand serving motion and trajectory requirements
Pickleball Ball vs. Wiffle Ball
While the original 1965 game used a wiffle ball, modern pickleball balls have evolved significantly. Pickleballs are specifically engineered for consistent, predictable performance. Wiffle balls are designed for backyard games with less precision.
| Feature | Pickleball Ball | Wiffle Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Holes | 26-40 | 18-26 |
| Hole Shape | Circular | Oblong |
| Hole Distribution | Evenly spaced around entire ball | Spaced on one side only |
| Weight | 22.11g (0.78oz) - 26.51g (0.935oz) | 19.84g (0.70oz) |
| Diameter | 2.874" (7.30cm) - 2.972" (7.55cm) | Similar range |
| Bounce | Consistent | Irregular |
| Color | Brightly colored for visibility | Usually white |
| Flight & Trajectory | Straight and predictable | Curved, unpredictable |
Pickleball Ball vs. Tennis Ball Size
No, they're not the same size. Pickleballs are slightly larger than tennis balls.
| Measurement | Pickleball | Tennis Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 2.874" - 2.972" (7.30-7.55cm) | 2.575" - 2.70" (6.54-6.86cm) |
| Circumference | 9.03" - 9.34" (22.94-23.72cm) | 8.09" - 8.48" (20.55-21.54cm) |
How Long Do Pickleball Balls Last?
Typical lifespan: 4-5 games before the ball starts losing shape and bounce
After this point, the ball is still usable for practice but should be replaced for regulated games or tournaments.
Factors affecting lifespan:
- Force and spin applied by players
- Playing surface (harder surfaces = faster wear)
- Ball type (outdoor balls tend to crack sooner due to harder plastic)
How to Choose the Right Pickleball Ball
Playing Environment
Playing in hard and fast courts? Choose outdoor balls
- 40 small holes
- Harder plastic construction
- Heavier (resists wind better)
- More durable against rough surfaces
Playing indoors on courts with a softer surface? Choose indoor balls
- 26 large holes
- Softer plastic construction
- Lighter weight
- Quieter and easier to control
Can you mix them? Yes, but performance suffers. Indoor balls outdoors get blown around by wind. Outdoor balls are generally more versatile and can be used in any setting, while indoor balls are harder and louder.
USAPA Approval
"USA Pickleball Association"-approved balls ensure:
- Consistent quality for an enjoyable playing experience
- Skills transfer from practice to regulated games
- Standardized performance across different play sessions
Why it matters: If you practice with non-regulation balls (like wiffle balls), your timing and power control won't translate properly to actual pickleball. The weight, bounce, and flight characteristics differ too much.
The Bottom Line
Pickleball balls are precision-engineered equipment, not generic plastic balls. Understanding the differences between indoor and outdoor balls, recognizing USAPA standards, and choosing the right ball for your environment will improve your game and extend the life of your equipment.
Quick decision guide:
- Outdoor play: 40-hole, hard plastic, heavier ball
- Indoor play: 26-hole, soft plastic, lighter ball
- All play: USAPA-approved for consistency
Choose the right ball for your court, and you'll get the performance the sport was designed to deliver.