That weird Pickleball Ball..?
Pickleball may be known for its fast-paced rallies and social spirit, but at the center of every match is a deceptively simple piece of equipment: the ball. Plastic, ugly and what about those holes....??
Actually, lightweight, perforated, and precision-engineered, the pickleball ball is a product of thoughtful design and evolving standards.
Materials & Construction
Pickleball balls are made from:
- Plastic, resin, or polymer depending on indoor or outdoor use
- Injection-molded or rotationally molded for durability and consistency
Indoor balls use softer plastics for better control and less bounce on smoother surfaces. Outdoor balls are made from harder resins to resist wind and surface wear.
Some balls are seamless, while others have a slight ridge from fused halves. This seam is allowed as long as it doesn’t affect flight characteristics.
Hole Count & Design
One of the most distinctive features of a pickleball is its holes—these aren’t just aesthetic.
- Number of holes: Between 26 and 40
- Hole size: Smaller for outdoor balls to reduce wind interference
- Spacing: Must support consistent flight and bounce
Indoor balls typically have larger holes for slower play and better control. Outdoor balls use smaller, more numerous holes to maintain stability in wind.
Official Specifications (USAPA & IFP)
To be tournament-approved, a pickleball must meet strict standards:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 2.874" to 2.972" (7.29–7.54 cm) |
| Weight | 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g) |
| Bounce | 30–34" when dropped from 78" |
| Hardness | 40–50 Durometer D scale |
| Surface | Smooth, no texture |
| Color | Uniform, with logo or ID marking |
| Holes | 26 to 40 circular holes |
Balls must also be listed on the for tournament play.