The Pickleball
Just like you can’t play pickleball without a paddle, the pickleball is essential – it’s right in the name of the sport. The ball is a hollow plastic with drilled holes. Most programs will supply balls as we found out when starting our pickleball journey.
Click on the image to see pickleballs available for purchase and scroll the page for more information on types of pickleballs.
Here are a few things to know before you buy your own.
Starting out generic balls work fine for learning the rules and developing beginner game skills. As mentioned in my post about the pickleball paddle, when we started playing pickleball, we purchased a starter set from Amazon.
Sets come in two or four paddles, some indoor and outdoor balls and usually a handy bag to carry them in. These sets make it easy to get started without the need to worry about getting balls as well. These sets run form about $50.00 to around $90.00, making it very economical to get started. Click on the image to see some options.
When you are ready to buy your own balls – which usually come in packs of three – here are some things I consider. Color – they come in blue, pink, orange, yellow and green. Do you want generic balls – good for practice or balls that meet USA Pickleball standards?
But first what is the difference between Indoor Balls and Outdoor Balls? It is not just about the number and size of holes.
Indoor Balls:
Indoor balls have larger holes – 26 – and are softer. These balls are better for wood floors as they don’t skip on the surface as much, provide a nice bounce and are better for beginners because they are softer. They are not recommended for concrete floors or outdoor surfaces unless beginners are playing. When we began our pickleball journey this was what we played with. Click on the image to purchase these balls. A set of 3 is a good choice.
Brand name balls like ONIX will last longer than generic balls and are my preference for indoor balls. Click on the image for one of my suggestions that meets official USA Pickleball standards.
Outdoor Balls:
With 40 smaller holes, outdoor balls are harder and heavier. For harder surfaces like concrete and hard courts such as professional pickleball surfaces, these balls provide a more consistent play as they will not change shape or flatten when they hit. This provides a truer bounce. The smaller holes also reduce the spin the wind puts on the ball when playing outdoors. Click on the image to purchase my preferred choice of outdoor balls.
Brand name balls like Franklin will last longer than generic balls and are my preference for indoor balls. Click on the image for one of my suggestions that meets official USA Pickleball standards.
As you play with balls, its a good idea to check the balls regularly. If you see any cracks on the ball, remove it from play. Indoor balls are two pieces molded together. Better outdoor balls are one-seam, one-piece construction to resist cracking or denting.
TIP: As your play improves it does make a difference to play with better balls, especially if you play at a facility that uses a specific type of ball. Some people also like to bring their own balls. This way you know the ball isn’t broken or so well used that it doesn’t bounce properly.
TIP: If you bring your own balls label your balls with a permanent marker – use your initial or a symbol just for you.
Now here is a new wrinkle in the ball world: Quiet Balls. Some people do complain about the noise the balls make when they hit the floor or paddle. Outdoor balls tend to be louder than indoor. I have yet to play with a quiet ball and for a purest, I won’t purchase them but you never know.
Designed to be the same weight and size as regular balls, quiet balls can be used indoors and outdoors. Made from special quiet foam, these balls are good for practice when you want to be quieter or against a wall without marking it.
Click on the image for one of my suggestions. I haven’t played with these balls but thought I should mention them.
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