Pickleball Ball – Know the Basics

Find out everything there is to know about the Pickleball Ball

Saying Pickleball ball can be a mouthful.

Is it correct to say Pickleball ball or is it just Pickleball?  I don’t really know the answer to that question – I just like saying Pickleball ball…so go with me on this one!

Choosing a ball for this sport can be a little confusing, especially if you don’t have a lot of knowledge about the game.

When it comes to the Pickleball ball, there are two variants, the indoor ball and the outdoor ball.

 

Pickleball Ball

 

 

In this article, we will be discussing everything there is to know about the Pickleball ball and how to choose the best ones.

Firstly, how to tell a Pickleball ball?

Pickleball balls have holes in them and look like Swiss cheese.

Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Ball

There is a stark difference between an indoor and outdoor pickleball ball.

Indoor Pickleball balls are lighter and have only 26 holes and these are larger than the outdoor ones.  They are more aerodynamic and made of a softer plastic.

The outdoor ball is a lot heavier and harder in construction, although they have a smooth exterior to bounce through the pitch without resistance.  Also, the outdoor balls have 40 holes to ensure that they aren’t swayed by the wind as much.

How long do Pickleball Balls last?

The lifespan of a Pickleball ball varies on how frequently it is used and the kind of force they are pelted with.

The indoor balls tend to last longer because they don’t need heavy beating from the paddle, however, the soft plastic can scuff easily.

On the other hand, players tend to be more competitive when it comes to playing in outdoor settings.  Those long drives, fancy spin shots and a keen desire to win, can lessen the lifespan of even the toughest outdoor ball.

Typically, the lifespan of a ball depends on how hard you hit the ball, the playing surface of the court along with the temperature of the surroundings.

However, nothing is predictable with these balls, so some can last longer and some can crack before you know it.

Are all Pickleball balls the same?

Beyond the characteristic indoor vs outdoor differences, more or less every ball is the same.  Some brands may be better value but basically they are all similar.

This is what makes them easy to pick when you are considering buying them.

Just ensure that you consider the brands that have a good name and tend to use good quality material for constructing the balls.

What are Quiet Pickleball Balls?

Quiet Pickleball balls came about due to the often restricted noise conditions of high density living areas, such as retirement villages and courts close to populated communities.

Pickleball balls make a distinctive Pop when hit which apparently can become irritating to the uninitiated.

Players are serving and hitting the ball from one side of the court to the other, so noise is a common factor in every pickleball match.  Some communities have strict rules concerning the use of quiet balls for games.

If you are considering playing pickleball and don’t want to disturb others, we’d recommend that you choose a quiet Pickleball ball.  These are readily available and easy to purchase.

The quiet balls are made of lighter plastic, which produces a lot less noise compared to the outdoor ones.

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Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, with quiet balls or screaming kids, don’t forget that the main aim of Pickleball is to enjoy yourself!

See what you need to know about Pickleball paddles by clicking here.

And the best way to play is with a net, paddle and Pickleball ball!

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