Indoor vs outdoor balls
Outdoor balls are harder with more, smaller holes; indoor balls are softer with fewer, larger holes. Learn how they play, how weather affects them and how to make them last.
Two kinds of ball
Pickleball balls are hollow plastic spheres with holes, but they come in two main types designed for different surfaces.
| Outdoor ball | Indoor ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | More, smaller (often around 40) | Fewer, larger (often around 26) |
| Plastic | Harder, thicker | Softer, lighter |
| Speed | Faster, bounces lower on hard courts | Slower, more control |
| Wind | Handles wind better | Easily affected by wind |
| Durability | Can crack, especially in cold weather | Lasts longer, can go soft |
| Surface | Concrete, asphalt, acrylic | Wood, gym floors, sport tile |
How they play
Outdoor balls are designed for rough, hard surfaces. Their harder plastic and smaller holes make them heavier relative to their size and less affected by wind. They tend to move faster, so outdoor play can feel quicker and more aggressive.
Indoor balls are softer and lighter. On smooth gym floors they bounce well and slow the game down, making rallies longer and dinks easier to control.
Approved balls
For sanctioned play, balls must be on the USA Pickleball approved list. The rules set limits on size, weight, bounce and hardness, and require a certain number of holes evenly spaced. Tournaments specify which ball will be used, and it is worth practicing with that ball.
Weather and temperature
- Cold: outdoor balls get harder and more brittle. They crack more easily and bounce lower. Warming them up before play helps.
- Heat: balls get softer and bouncier and can play faster.
- Wind: outdoor balls handle wind better, but heavy wind still affects lobs and drops.
How long do balls last
Outdoor balls can crack after a few sessions of hard hitting, while others last much longer. Signs a ball needs replacing:
- Visible cracks.
- Out-of-round shape, causing odd bounces.
- Soft spots.
- A noticeably dull bounce.
Rotate balls during long sessions, store them at room temperature and avoid leaving them in a hot car.
Which should you buy?
- Play outdoors on hard courts? Buy outdoor balls.
- Play in a gym? Buy indoor balls.
- Play in a league or tournament? Practice with the official ball.
- Buy multipacks; balls are inexpensive and wear out.
Bring a few balls of each type in your bag. Many open play sessions mix indoor and outdoor venues during the year.
Ball colors
Balls come in bright colors, most commonly yellow or neon green, with orange and other colors for visibility. Choose a color that contrasts with the court and background. In bright sun, some players prefer orange or pink.
See equipment basics for the rest of your starter kit.
