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 effectively differ from Tennis Balls in terms of their internal pressure when new.

Tennis balls have an internal pressure of 14psi when the seal is broken on a cannister of new balls, whilst Padel balls must have an internal pressure of between 10 and 11psi.

If you are wondering why they aren’t the same and that surely giving a ball less bounce would be less fun, right? Well Padel is a lot more fun with a less bouncy ball, if they the ball were too bouncy, a well played shot into the corner would be made easier for players to return. (Think squash balls)

Padel is also a much softer game than tennis and if you were to make the Padel balls with a higher pressure, it would make the ball travel a lot faster around the court. Making shots like the smash too tricky to get back and too easy for the opponents to win the point.

The FIP (International Padel Federation) has regulations that govern the size, weight, and bounce of padel balls. These regulations are designed to ensure that all padel balls are of a consistent quality and that the game is played fairly.

FIP Regulations for Padel Balls

• Size: Padel balls must have a diameter of between 6.35 and 6.77 centimeters. Tennis balls must have a diameter of between 6.54 and6.86 centimeters. The difference in size is due to the internal pressure.
• Weight: Padel balls must weigh between 56 and 59.4 grams. Tennis Balls is required to weigh between 56 and 59.4 grams. So 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 the game. Approved padel balls are designed to meet the FIP regulations, which ensures that they are of a consistent quality and that the game is played fairly.

Using non-approved padel balls can give players an unfair advantage. For example, non-approved padel balls may bounce higher or travel faster than approved padel balls, which can make it more difficult for opponents to hit them.

Padel balls are an essential part of the padel game. By understanding the FIP regulations for padel balls, you can ensure that you are using the correct type of ball and that you are playing the game fairly.

ThePadelshop.co.nz sells the Head Pro & Pro S Padel Balls. 

https://www.thepadelshop.co.nz/collections/head-balls