Crack the Code: What Kind of Ball is Used in Pickleball?
Hey there, pickleball enthusiasts! You might be wondering what all the hype is about this sport and what ball is used to slam, dink, and smash in pickleball. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
In this pickleball article, we’ll spill the beans on everything you need to know about the balls that bring the zing to pickleball! One of the most frequently asked questions by beginners is: What kind of ball is used in pickleball?
What Kind of Ball is Used in Pickleball? Discover the Ultimate Pickleball Ball Guide for 2023!
Before we dive into the juicy details of pickleball balls, let’s quickly recap what this game is all about. Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
It’s played on a rectangular court with a low net, and the objective is to score points by hitting a ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. Now, let’s serve up the good stuff and talk about the star of the show: the pickleball ball!
The Evolution of the Pickleball Ball
Back in the day, when pickleball was getting its pickle-licious start, players used whiffle balls as makeshift pickleballs. They had a few issues, like being too bouncy and easily affected by wind. But as the sport gained popularity, manufacturers stepped up their game, and the pickleball ball got a much-needed upgrade.
The Perfect Pickleball Ball: Characteristics and Materials
The ideal pickleball ball has some key traits to ensure it delivers the perfect bounce and performance. It’s typically made of durable plastic, with precisely drilled holes on its surface.
These holes help reduce wind resistance and keep the ball stable during flight.
A standard pickleball ball is slightly smaller than a tennis ball but more prominent than a ping-pong ball, making it just right for that sweet spot of playability.
The regulation Pickleball
The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) oversees the official rules for competitive and tournament pickleball across the United States. According to the USAPA rulebook, an official pickleball player must:
- Have a diameter of 2.874 to 2.972 inches (7.3 – 7.6 cm)
- Weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces (22 to 26 grams)
- Have a hardness of 85–90 on the Shore A durometer scale
- Be made of a durable plastic polymer material
- Have at least 26 to 40 circular holes
- Be one consistent color throughout (usually white or yellow)
In other words, a regulation pickleball is similar in size to a golf ball or baseball but made of lightweight plastic with holes like a Wiffle ball. The small, perforated design allows pickleballs to move much slower than tennis balls across the court.
The most popular pickleball brands that are approved for USAPA tournaments include:
- Onix Fuse G2
- Dura Fast 40
- Gamma Pickleball
- Franklin X-40
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleballs
Indoor and Outdoor pickleballs can vary slightly in specifications.
Outdoor pickleballs tend to have rougher, textured plastic exteriors that help create friction against the paddle face. Popular outdoor balls include Dura Fast 40, Onix Fuse G2, and Franklin X-40.
Indoor pickleballs usually have a smoother exterior plastic with miniature dimples that allow for a better bounce off hard indoor floors. Gamma and Onix, Fuse Indoor balls, are standard for indoor pickleball.
- Many pickleball manufacturers now sell combo packs with both indoor and outdoor balls included. It’s handy to have both varieties available when playing pickleball in different settings.
Pickleball Ball Comparison Table
Let’s break down the top pickleball balls on the market for 2023, so you can pick the one that suits your game best:
| Brand | Model | Material | Indoor/Outdoor | Rating (out of 5) |
| Onix | Fuse G2 | Plastic Polymer | Outdoor | 4.5/5 |
| Franklin | X-40 | Plastic Polymer | Outdoor | 4.8/5 |
| Gamma | Pickleball | Plastic Polymer | Both | 4.7/5 |
| Dura | Fast 40 | Plastic Polymer | Outdoor | 4.6/5 |
| Penn | Rally | Plastic Polymer | Indoor | 4.3/5 |
Alternative Pickleball Options
During regulation, balls from significant brands like Onix and Gamma excel for competitive play; some alternative options exist for more casual pickleball:
Plastic practice balls are cheaper, lightweight plastic balls without maximum durability. Great for beginners learning ball control.
Low compression balls: made of softer materials with a “compression” rating of around 35–50. More accessible for new players to hit and rally.
Perforated balls: During training sessions, we use practice balls with smaller or fewer holes than regulation to improve our golfing skills. The added weight helps develop strength.
Night balls: glow-in-the-dark pickleballs are ideal for evening games with limited lighting.
- Beach pickleballs are Made of waterproof materials for playing pickleball in sand or near water.
Conclusion
While specialized pickleballs exist for different environments, the standard ball for tournaments and competitive play remains a lightweight plastic ball 2 3⁄4 inches in diameter with 26–40 circular holes.
Brands like Onix, Dura, Gamma, and Franklin dominate tournaments with their regulation pickleballs approved by the USA Pickleball Association.
For recreational games, alternative options add more versatility and accessibility to the sport. No matter what ball you choose, the most important thing is to get out on the pickleball court and have fun!
FAQs: what kind of ball is used in pickleball?
1: What size is a standard pickleball ball?
A1: The standard pickleball ball has a diameter of approximately 2.87 inches, making it just the right size for a smashing game!
Q2: Can you use tennis balls for pickleball?
A2: While it’s technically possible, using tennis balls for pickleball is not recommended. Tennis balls are heavier and faster, which can lead to an imbalanced and less enjoyable game.
Q3: What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?
A3: Indoor pickleball balls have more bounce, making them suitable for smoother indoor courts. Manufacturers construct outdoor pickleball balls with thicker walls to withstand rougher outdoor surfaces and varying weather conditions.
Q4: How do you choose the right pickleball ball for your game?
A4: Consider the playing environment (indoor or outdoor), ball material, and player experience level. Test out different balls to see which one gives you the perfect pickleball experience!
Don’t keep this pickleball knowledge to yourself! Share this article with your pickleball buddies, and let the good times roll on the court! And remember, the right pickleball ball can take your game from zero to hero, so choose wisely, Thank You.
