What is the difference between a Padel Ball & a Tennis Ball?
Padel balls are an essential part of the padel game. They are made of a rubber core and a felt cover, and differ from tennis balls in terms of their internal pressure, even when new.
Tennis balls have an internal pressure of 14psi when the seal is broken on a canister of new balls, while padel balls must have an internal pressure between 10 and 11psi.
If you are wondering why they aren’t the same, and thinking that surely giving a ball less bounce would be less fun, padel is actually more enjoyable with a lower-pressure ball. If the ball were too bouncy, well-placed shots into the corners would be easier to return. (Think squash balls!)
Padel is also a softer game than tennis. If padel balls were made with higher pressure, the ball would travel much faster, making smashes harder to defend and rallies shorter.
The FIP (International Padel Federation) sets regulations governing the size, weight, and bounce of padel balls to ensure consistent quality and fair play.
FIP Regulations for Padel Balls:
- Size: Padel balls must have a diameter between 6.35 and 6.77 centimeters. Tennis balls must have a diameter between 6.54 and 6.86 centimeters. The difference in size is due to internal pressure.
- Weight: Padel balls must weigh between 56 and 59.4 grams. Tennis balls are also required to weigh between 56 and 59.4 grams — no difference here.
- Bounce: Padel balls must bounce between 135 and 145 centimeters when dropped from a height of 2.54 meters. Tennis balls have the same tournament-legal requirement.
- Altitude: At altitudes above 500 meters, padel balls must bounce between 121.92 and 135 centimeters when dropped from a height of 2.54 meters.
The Importance of Using Approved Padel Balls
It is important to use approved padel balls when playing. Approved padel balls meet the FIP regulations, ensuring consistent quality and fair gameplay.
Using non-approved padel balls can give players an unfair advantage. Non-approved balls may bounce higher or travel faster than regulated balls, making them harder for opponents to return.
At ThePadelShop.co.nz, we stock approved padel balls and top-quality padel gear from brands like Nox, Sane, Babolat, and Head — perfect for anyone looking to buy padel rackets or balls in NZ.