The Ball is in Your Court

Like all other sports that are played using some type of ball, pickleballs must meet certain guidelines in regards to size, weight and composition of the materials utilized in manufacturing. The International Federation of Pickleball and USA Pickleball has instituted equipment regulations for pickleball balls. There are 97 different pickleballs approved for tournament play, and while several new companies are attempting to get in the game, the top three and best known manufacturers are Dura Fast, ONIX and Franklin.

Pickleballs are made of plastic and are just under three inches in diameter. Regulation pickleballs have between 26 and 40 holes in each ball, depending on their purpose and the manufacturer's preferences. In addition, the composition of the material makes some balls harder and some balls softer. Indoor pickleballs are smoother and weigh around 0.8 oz with fewer/larger holes, while outdoor pickleballs weigh around 0.9 oz with more/smaller holes, which makes the ball less affected by the wind. There are also other kinds of pickleballs now being made which are designed to be quieter during community play in condos or apartments. While these balls may not necessarily be approved for tournament play, they do fill a niche for recreational use.

With all of that stated and understood, the difference in weight and composition of the ball can, especially for advanced level players, completely change the strategic applications of the game. But for the majority of recreational players, the knowledge or confusion in regards to varieties of pickleballs available is not going to make much of a difference in the success, or lack of success, in your game. 

My recommendation is to be aware of the type of ball you are using, but don’t over concern yourself with how, or if, it affects the quality of your performance on the court. Players need to focus on building sound, strong fundamentals in their strokes, and develop a wise strategic understanding of point structure for their individual level of play. The best way to improve your abilities is to surround your regular daily playing schedule with lessons, clinics, drills and practice.