What Type of Ball Is Used in Pickleball and Why Isn’t It Actually a Pickle?

Ever wondered why pickleball isn’t played with a giant cucumber or, you know, an actual pickle? You’re definitely not the only one. Pickleball uses a special plastic ball that kind of looks like a wiffle ball, but it’s designed just for this game and is way tougher than it seems. You really can’t just grab a random ball from your garage—unless you want to chase tennis balls down the street all afternoon.

The pickleball you pick totally depends on where you’re playing. There are indoor balls and outdoor balls—yep, pickleball can be a bit fancy. Outdoor balls are built to handle rough courts and wind. Indoor ones are softer and give you more control.

If you want to get a little picky (and honestly, you probably should), check out some recommendations or even the official list of USA Pickleball approved balls.

So, before you run off to your local court with a soccer ball or a balloon, double-check that you’ve got the right pickleball. It really can be the difference between looking like a pro and just chasing plastic around like a confused puppy.

Overview Of The Pickleball Ball

Meet the star of pickleball: a plastic ball with just enough weirdness to keep things interesting. Unlike tennis balls, these don’t bounce everywhere or collect fuzz—because honestly, who needs more to clean?

Basic Description

A pickleball ball kind of looks like a plastic wiffle ball with an identity crisis. It’s made of lightweight, durable plastic and comes in colors bright enough to shout, “Don’t forget me on the court!”

It isn’t fuzzy or squishy at all. You get a hard, perforated plastic ball that just wants to zip across the court and, occasionally, disappear under the nearest bench when you’re not paying attention.

All pickleballs stick to a standard size, usually about 2.87 to 2.97 inches in diameter. So if you ever confuse your pickleball with a golf ball, you probably need a nap.

You can use indoor or outdoor balls, but both are made to be easy to see and easy to hit. When you miss, let’s be honest—that’s on you, not the ball.

Key Features

The main thing? Holes. Not the ones in your socks, but the 26 to 40 round holes all over the ball. Outdoor balls usually have more (and smaller) holes, while indoor balls have fewer, larger ones. This helps them handle wind or, indoors, that one guy’s wild smash.

Pickleballs weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces. They’re not so heavy they sting, but not so light they’ll blow away if you sneeze. The plastic is tough enough to survive wild swings but soft enough to keep your serve from sounding like a cannon.

Manufacturers now use different plastics to improve bounce and keep the ball from cracking. If you want all the nerdy details, check out more on indoor vs outdoor pickleballs and which one to pick for your next game.

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Pickleballs

Pickleball balls come in two main types: indoor and outdoor. Each works best on specific surfaces and in certain conditions. Ignoring these differences is kind of like wearing flip-flops in the snow.

Differences In Ball Design

Hold an indoor pickleball, and it almost feels like a hollow plastic egg—except this one begs to be hit with a paddle, not turned into breakfast. Indoor balls usually have 26 larger holes and are made from softer, lighter plastic.

Because of this, you get more control and a quieter game. Your neighbors won’t mind as much if you’re playing inside.

Outdoor balls use thicker, harder plastic, almost like they’re suiting up for battle. They have 40 smaller holes to help them slice through the wind, which makes them noisier and a bit harder to control.

Once you’ve played with both, you won’t mix them up. For a quick comparison, outdoor balls are the “noisy, tough cousin” and indoor balls are the “chill, well-mannered sibling.” Here’s a handy breakdown.

Type	Number of Holes	Hole Size	Ball Material
Indoor Pickleball	26	Larger	Softer, lighter
Outdoor Pickleball	40	Smaller	Harder, thicker

Performance On Court Surfaces

Would you bring a rubber duck to a hockey rink? Of course not. Indoor pickleballs belong on smooth, gym-like courts. They bounce pretty well but don’t go wild.

The soft plastic grips the floor, so games move a bit slower, and rallies last longer. Get ready for some real back-and-forth.

Outdoor balls, though, love sunshine and rougher courts. They’re built tough, so when you smash them on hard, gritty surfaces, they bounce higher and move faster.

The smaller holes help keep the wind from messing with your shots. If you use an indoor ball outside, it may not bounce as high, and you’ll probably spend half your time chasing it.

Outdoor play is rougher on balls, and indoor ones can crack or go flat fast if you use them outside.

Choosing The Right Ball For Play

Wearing a tuxedo to mow the lawn? Not a great idea. Picking the right pickleball for your surface is just as important.

If you play indoors, pick a ball made for indoor courts. The bigger holes and softer plastic help keep things quiet and easier to control.

If you’re heading outside, grab an outdoor pickleball. These are built to handle wind, hard courts, and maybe even the neighbor’s dog. Outdoor balls last longer on rough surfaces and bounce firmer, so games move faster.

If you’re not sure which you’ll need, some players keep both types in their bag just in case. Some people even analyze their pickleballs like detectives. Want to get deep into the debate? Here’s a detailed guide. Keeping both handy keeps you ready for anything.

Ball Construction And Materials

You might think a pickleball is just any old plastic ball, but there’s more going on here—these aren’t borrowed from the dog’s toy bin. The magic is in the type of plastic and the way manufacturers put it all together for bounce and durability.

Types Of Plastic Used

Pickleballs use hard plastic, not the flimsy stuff from cheap water bottles. This tough material keeps your ball alive through wild rallies and even the occasional angry stomp.

Indoor pickleballs usually use polypropylene. This is a bit softer, so you get a quieter bounce—great if you don’t want to annoy everyone at the gym.

Outdoor balls go for a harder plastic for extra toughness. That way, they don’t crack or flatten when you slam them on pavement or bake them in the sun.

If you ever grab a wiffle ball and think, “this will work,” it won’t—pickleballs are made for serious play and have to meet specific standards for weight, bounce, and shape. The right plastic means a satisfying smack instead of a sad squish.

Mold And Manufacturing Process

Every pickleball starts its life in a mold. Hot liquid plastic gets injected into a seamless mold to create a perfect sphere. That seamless design is what gives you a true, even bounce—no weird wobbles.

Once the ball cools and hardens, machines punch out the holes. That’s what gives pickleballs their signature look. The number and size of holes change depending on whether it’s an indoor or outdoor ball.

Quality control matters here. Only balls with the right bounce, shape, and toughness make it into your bag.

The end result? A tough, lightweight ball that can handle your best shots—and your worst misses—over and over.

Official Ball Specifications

Pickleball isn’t just about paddles and quick feet. The ball you use really matters. If you want to avoid those annoying arguments and play like the pros, you’ll want to know what counts as an “official” pickleball.

Ball Size And Diameter

Let’s talk numbers for a second. The official USAPA-approved pickleball isn’t some mysterious marble. Its diameter falls between 2.874 and 2.972 inches—yes, those decimals matter, and honestly, who’s measuring that closely at home? Still, this rule keeps every bounce the same, game after game.

Why does size matter? A ball that’s too big or too small rolls weird, and nobody likes weird rolls—unless you’re talking sushi. If you show up with a mystery ball, there’s a good chance you’ll get sent home, so stick to approved diameters.

Weight And Hardness Standards

Your ball can’t skip leg day. Official pickleballs have a weight requirement: between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces.

If it’s lighter, the wind will take it away. If it’s too heavy, you might as well juggle coconuts.

Weight isn’t the only thing. The ball also needs the right hardness. If it squishes in your hand, forget it. USAPA wants balls to bounce the same way every time, so the plastic has to be firm enough to pass their test.

Here’s a quick list:

• Weight: 0.78–0.935 oz
• Bounces: Lively and predictable, not dead or droopy
• Material: Tough, not squishy

USAPA checks all this, so you don’t get any strange surprises on the court.

Hole Count And Arrangement

If you think a ball full of holes sounds like a problem, you probably haven’t played pickleball yet. Every official outdoor pickleball proudly sports 40 carefully drilled holes. Yep—pickleball’s “Swiss cheese” look isn’t just for laughs.

Indoor pickleballs usually have 26 holes, but outside? It’s 40 or nothing. That design isn’t for show. Those holes really change how the ball flies and bounces. Get the number wrong, and you’ll feel like you’re playing with a UFO, not a pickleball.

Manufacturers don’t just punch holes wherever they want. They arrange them for balance and smooth flight. If you want to meet USA Pickleball’s standards, don’t just count the holes—make sure they’re spaced evenly. That way, your shots stay as predictable as your aunt’s Thanksgiving jokes.

Popular Pickleball Ball Brands

Pickleball balls aren’t all created equal. Each brand and model brings its own feel, bounce, and quirks that you’ll notice when you play—even if you’re just there for snacks afterward.

Here are some of the most talked-about balls that might roll under your car after a wild rally.

Dura Fast 40

If any ball deserves the “grandparent” title in pickleball balls, it’s the Dura Fast 40. This bright, sturdy ball is famous for its speed and hard bounce.

Dura makes it, and it’s the official ball for many major tournaments and professional matches. Players either love or love to complain about its quick pace and how straight it flies.

The Dura Fast 40 cracks a bit faster on cold days, but it holds up for serious games. It’s a favorite for outdoor play because those pre-drilled holes help on windy days.

You’ll spot a Dura Fast 40 in competitive matches, zipping back and forth faster than you can say “kitchen violation.”

Learn more or compare it at the top pickleball ball brands.

Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball

If you play indoors and like a softer touch (and maybe some air conditioning), you’ve probably hit the Onix Fuse Indoor Pickleball. This ball has a bit more “give” and a quieter sound, so you won’t wake up the neighborhood pickleball haters.

Its holes are larger and it’s a little lighter than outdoor balls, so you get more control. The Onix Fuse bounces smoothly on wood or gym floors and doesn’t skid off at wild angles.

If you live somewhere rainy or your club sticks to indoor courts, this ball is a smart choice. Plus, it won’t yell at you when you miss a shot.

Jugs

Jugs pickleball balls really stand out from the crowd. They’re made from softer plastic and come in high-visibility colors like neon green. No more blaming the garden for lost balls.

These balls are lighter and bounce a bit slower, which helps keep rallies going—even if you’re still working on your serve. Jugs balls are super popular with both beginners and experienced players who want a forgiving feel.

They work great for indoor games and casual outdoor matches on smooth surfaces. If you want a ball that keeps practice fun and rallies friendly, Jugs could be your best bet (though your name won’t actually be on it).

Color Options And Visibility

Pickleball balls don’t just bounce and fly—they come in bold, eye-catching colors too. Picking the right color matters for spotting the ball fast, saving points, and maybe saving a little pride in front of your friends.

Standard Pickleball Colors

In official games, you’ll usually see lots of bright, sunny yellow pickleballs flying around. Yellow is the classic choice, and not just because it looks like a tennis ball on vacation.

Turns out, yellow shows up best on most court surfaces and under different lighting. It helps you spot the ball whether you’re inside or out.

But yellow isn’t the only game in town. You might spot white and orange pickleballs too. White balls used to be common, but chasing a white ball in blazing sun or on faded lines? Not fun. Orange balls are popular indoors, where they’re easier to see against dark floors.

If you love variety, neon shades are everywhere now for folks who want max visibility and a little extra flair. Some brands even go wild with neon yellow and neon orange—because just “yellow” wasn’t enough. Need proof? Check out the most common and visible pickleball ball colors.

Choosing Colors For Different Conditions

You might think all pickleball balls are the same, but light and background colors really affect visibility. For outdoor play, facing sunlight and greenery, yellow balls shine brightest. They help you track fast serves coming your way.

Indoors, skip yellow if the gym is dim or the floor is light-colored. Try orange or neon shades—they show up way better on dark surfaces.

Here’s a quick guide:

Condition	Best Ball Color
Outdoor, sunny	Yellow
Indoor, wood flooring	Orange or neon yellow
Nighttime or low light	Neon yellow/orange

Don’t pick a white ball unless you want to test your patience (and your eyesight). If you’re feeling bold or your eyes are tired, neon options can save your game and your pride. For more on how bright balls help, look for high-visibility pickleball balls that stand out anywhere.

Key Performance Factors Of Pickleball Balls

Pickleball balls might look simple, but if you want to play well and have fun, every detail matters. The plastic used, how long the ball lasts, and even the number of holes all make a difference.

Durability And Longevity

Nobody wants to chase after cracked pickleballs after just one game. High-quality balls are made from tough plastic that survives endless kitchen rallies and those “oops, I hit the fence” moments.

Outdoor balls are built to handle rough courts and sunlight. They’re generally harder than indoor balls, so they crack less and last longer. Indoor balls feel softer, but they still stand up to most gym floors.

Brighter balls are easier to spot if they roll under the bleachers, which happens more than you’d think. If you’re tired of buying new balls all the time, check out sets reviewed for excellent durability and longevity.

Flight And Spin

When you serve or smash, you want the ball to zip and spin—not wobble through the air like a lost balloon. The number and size of the holes matter a lot. Outdoor balls have more, smaller holes to help them cut through the wind.

The plastic type plays a role too. Harder balls spin less, but they’ll fly straighter when you hit a line drive. On the other hand, some softer balls add a nice curve for your trick shots.

Wind can’t mess with a well-designed ball. If you want to whip topspins like a pro, try a ball like the Franklin X-40 that’s known for consistent flight and spin.

Bounce And Control

If your ball bounces like a marble or floats like a balloon, your kitchen skills will take a hit. The material and wall thickness decide if a ball is bouncy or just dead.

Look for balls that balance bounce and sturdiness. Too much bounce, and you’ll be chasing high lobs; too little, and dinks just drop, making every rally a snooze.

Players often say indoor balls give softer bounces, while outdoor balls are firm and quick off the paddle. Getting the right feel is all about control.

Some pickleballs, especially those using advanced plastics, let you place your shots just where you want—so you can show off your cross-court winner, not your tennis swing. For a deeper dive into how ball design affects bounce and control, check out expert guides.

Regulations For Tournaments

If you want to avoid showing up to a tournament with the wrong ball and getting those judgmental looks, you need to know the specific standards for equipment. Every tournament sticks to set rules—so leave the dollar store balls at home.

Approved Balls For Official Play

To play in an official tournament, your ball can’t just be anything round you found under the couch. The USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) publishes a list of approved balls that actually make the cut.

Every ball must appear on the official USAPA roster before it gets anywhere near the court. Balls have to weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces and measure between 2.87 and 2.97 inches in diameter. Not even a smidge more or less.

They can only bounce up to 34 inches when dropped from a height of 78 inches. Ever wonder who measures this stuff? Someone definitely does. For more details, check the USA Pickleball Equipment Standards Manual.

Tournament Requirements

Every tournament comes with ball requirements stricter than your grandma’s dessert rules. Besides weight and size, organizers care about performance and durability.

Balls need to keep their shape, bounce consistently, and not quit halfway through a match. The most popular choices usually include the Franklin X-40, Onix Dura Fast 40, and Vulcan VPro Flight.

These balls get picked for big events and have to handle everything from wild rallies to the wind sneaking onto the court. Before you pack your bag, double-check you’ve got one of these official balls—unless you want the referee to give you that “nice try” wave.

For a closer look at tournament favorites, check the Pickleball Balls Used in Tournaments guide.

Comparisons With Other Sports Balls

Pickleball balls are plastic, hollow, and full of holes—not unlike that sock you keep forgetting to toss. Compared to other sports balls, they have their own unique features that change how you serve, smash, and—let’s be honest—chase after them on the court.

Pickleball Ball Vs. Wiffle Ball

Set a pickleball and a wiffle ball side by side, and you’ll see both use lightweight plastic and have holes. Still, don’t get tricked—they aren’t twins. They’re more like distant cousins who show up at the same barbecue once a year.

Pickleball balls feel sturdier. They bounce well and can take a beating. Outdoor pickleball balls have about 40 small holes, but indoor ones use fewer, bigger holes.

Wiffle balls? They’ve got eight big, oval holes on one side. That makes their flight path unpredictable, like your cousin’s karaoke song choices. The design lets wiffle balls curve and move slowly. They just aren’t made for the quick rallies and steady bounce you need in pickleball. Want more details? Here’s a detailed comparison.

People mostly use wiffle balls for backyard baseball. You’ll never see a pickleball ball flying past a little league batter—unless someone’s really confused.

Pickleball Ball Vs. Tennis Ball

Don’t mix up pickleball balls with tennis balls. If you bring a tennis ball to a pickleball game, expect a few stares and maybe some laughter.

Tennis balls use pressurized rubber and a fuzzy felt cover. They bounce high, move fast, and leave green fuzz everywhere. Pickleball balls are all plastic—no fuzz at all—and weigh less. They stay lower to the ground, and you’ll never need a lint roller for your paddle.

Tennis balls are bigger, weighing 56–59 grams. Pickleball balls usually weigh under 26 grams and measure between 2.87 and 2.97 inches wide.

If you drop them both at once, you’ll notice the tennis ball bounces back, while the pickleball ball just drops without much drama. For more info on sizes, check out this guide.

Pickleball Ball Vs. Table Tennis Ball

Table tennis balls look tiny and harmless, but don’t underestimate them. They bring plenty of action, just at a smaller scale.

Table tennis balls use celluloid or similar plastic and measure about 1.57 inches across. They’re super light—just 2.7 grams, not even as heavy as a paperclip.

Pickleball balls are much bigger and heavier.

Try using a table tennis ball for pickleball, and the wind might blow it away before you even serve. You also won’t hear that classic ping-pong “thwack” on a pickleball court. Every ball brings its own kind of chaos.

Pickleball Ball Vs. Badminton Equipment

Comparing a pickleball ball to badminton gear? That’s like comparing apples, oranges, and maybe a frying pan. Badminton doesn’t use a ball at all. Instead, players hit a shuttlecock, or “birdie,” over the net.

Shuttlecocks have a small cork base covered in thin leather or synthetic stuff. The “feathers” can be real or plastic. No plastic ball in sight here.

Badminton rackets are light and strung tight, nothing like the wood, polymer, or composite paddles you use in pickleball.

If you try serving a pickleball with a badminton racket or hit a shuttlecock with a pickleball paddle, you’ll probably invent a new sport—and leave everyone scratching their heads.

How To Choose The Right Pickleball Ball

Picking out a pickleball ball sounds easy, but there’s more to it. If you want your game to run smooth—and avoid those embarrassing bounces—you’ll need to think about court type, ball weight, and your own style.

Factors To Consider

First, decide if you’re playing inside or outside. For outdoor games, grab a ball built for outdoor use. Outdoor balls are heavier, with smaller holes. They handle wind and sun better and don’t fall apart as quickly.

Indoor balls are lighter, with larger holes. They bounce better on smooth courts and don’t make as much noise.

Durability counts, too. Outdoor balls usually last longer, but every ball breaks down eventually—sometimes right after your best shot. Think about price as well. Some pricier balls last longer, so you might actually save money.

Visibility matters if you don’t want to chase balls all day. Pick neon or whatever color pops best on your court. If you want suggestions, check out top picks like the Selkirk Pro S1 and Franklin X-40 here and here.

Matching Ball To Playing Style

Your game isn’t like everyone else’s, so don’t just grab any ball. If you like longer rallies and control, softer balls help you place shots and move the ball easily.

If you want a faster game, a harder ball is the way to go. It zips across the court and makes it tougher for your opponent to return.

Some people want a ball that’s easy to control and doesn’t bounce wild. Others love the challenge and unpredictability of lighter balls. Try brands like the ONIX Dura Fast 40 or GAMMA Photon until you find one that fits your style. Be picky—pickleball is serious business, even if you keep missing your serves.

Care And Maintenance Of Pickleball Balls

Pickleball balls don’t last forever, no matter how careful you are. Keeping them in good shape means you need to replace them at the right time and use a few simple tricks to help them last.

How To Replace Old Balls

You’ll know it’s time for a new ball when you see cracks, lose bounce, or hear a sad, dull “thud.” Balls can get lopsided or soft after too many games—kind of like how you feel after a big holiday dinner.

Don’t keep a pile of dead pickleballs hoping they’ll come back to life. If your ball wobbles, splits, or loses that crisp pop, just swap it for a new one. And don’t give them to your pets unless you want holes in your carpet.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Cracks? Bin it.
• Won’t bounce? Goodbye.
• Lopsided bounce? Toss it.
• Weird noises? Nice try—get a new one.

Your game will thank you, and honestly, so will your dignity.

Tips For Extending Ball Life

Want your pickleballs to last longer than your average houseplant? Keep them dry. Water and humidity really mess with the plastic, making it weak and, honestly, a little sad—kind of like pizza crust left out overnight.

Try storing your balls indoors and out of direct sunlight. That way, you give them a fighting chance.

When you clean pickleballs, use a damp cloth to wipe off grime. Don’t soak them or toss them in for a bubble bath.

Extreme temperatures? Just avoid them. Leaving your balls in a hot car basically guarantees they’ll melt or lose their shape.

Just toss your balls in a simple container or bag. Some balls work best indoors, while others are built for the outdoors—so use them as intended if you want them to stick around, according to this pickleball ball maintenance guide.

Treat your pickleballs right, and they’ll keep bouncing back—literally.