Which pickleball balls should you choose? It primarily depends on whether you play indoors or outdoors, the surface you play on, and the type of feel you prefer.
Pickleball balls can look very similar, but differences in construction, hardness, hole design, and material affect speed, bounce, and feel, among other things. In this buying guide, SwePickleball will help you understand the differences and choose the right ball for your game.
If you want to go directly to the assortment, you can find our current pickleball balls here.
How to choose the right pickleball ball
Choosing a pickleball ball is simpler than choosing a paddle, but there are still several things that affect which ball is best. First and foremost, you need to start with the question:
Should you play indoors or outdoors?
This is the most important distinction because the balls are designed for different environments.
Then you can look at:
- ball construction
- number and size of holes
- hardness
- bounce and speed
- durability
- color and visibility
- whether the ball is for practice or competition
What is a pickleball ball?
A pickleball ball is a lightweight, perforated plastic ball specifically developed for the sport. Unlike a tennis ball, it has no felt and is not constructed in the same way.
The many holes affect how the ball moves through the air and are a significant part of why pickleball gets its characteristic speed and ball trajectory.
However, not all pickleball balls are identical. Different models can behave noticeably differently on the court.
Indoor or outdoor ball?
The most important choice is whether the ball should be used indoors or outdoors.
Pickleball balls for indoor play
Indoor balls are adapted for play without wind and are often used on sports hall floors and other indoor surfaces.
They usually have fewer and larger holes than outdoor balls and can feel somewhat softer and more controlled.
This can lead to longer rallies and a different feel in dinks, volleys, and the tactical game at the kitchen line.
Pickleball balls for outdoor play
Outdoor balls need to perform better in wind and on harder surfaces. They therefore usually have more and smaller holes and a slightly harder construction.
They can feel faster and more direct in play.
If you play both indoors and outdoors, it's wise to have both types of balls available.
How do the holes affect the ball's properties?
The number, size, and placement of the holes affect how much air resistance the ball encounters and how stably it moves through the air.
This is one of the reasons why indoor and outdoor balls are not constructed identically.
However, you don't need to choose a ball solely based on how many holes it has. It's more important to choose a model that is developed for the environment where you will be playing.
How does hardness affect it?
A harder ball can provide a more direct feel and higher speed, while a slightly softer ball can feel more controlled.
Hardness is also affected by temperature, especially during outdoor play.
A ball can therefore feel different depending on whether it is used on a warm summer day or in significantly colder weather.
Which pickleball ball is best for beginners?
As a beginner, you rarely need to worry about all the small differences between different models.
Start by choosing the right type for the playing environment:
- indoor ball if you play indoors
- outdoor ball if you play outdoors
If you play in a club, it can also be an advantage to use the same or a similar ball as is used in training sessions.
This way, you get used to a consistent speed, bounce, and feel.
Which ball should you use for training?
For regular training, a durable and consistent ball is more important than choosing the most advanced model.
If you are practicing serves, returns, dinks, or other repetitive movements, it is also practical to have several balls of the same model.
This means you don't have to retrieve the ball after every shot and reduces variation between different balls during the exercise.
For technical training, a larger multi-pack can therefore be a good purchase.
Which pickleball ball should you use for competition?
Before a competition, you should check which ball the organizer uses.
Different competitions may use different official match balls. If you know which model will be used, it can be an advantage to practice with the same ball in advance.
This gives you time to get used to the ball's speed, bounce, and responsiveness before the competition day.
How important is the ball's color?
The color not only affects the appearance. It also affects how easy the ball is to see.
A good pickleball ball should provide clear contrast against both the court and the background.
Therefore, different colors can work differently well in different halls and on different outdoor courts.
Common colors include, for example:
- yellow
- neon green
- orange
- white
Above all, choose a color that is easy to follow where you usually play.
Why do pickleball balls crack?
Pickleball balls are consumables. They are subjected to repeated hard impacts against both paddles and surfaces, and eventually, they will wear out.
Cracks can be affected by several things:
- temperature
- surface
- how hard players hit
- material and construction
- how long the ball has been used
Colder temperatures, in particular, can make certain plastic materials harder and more susceptible.
When should you replace a pickleball ball?
It's time to replace the ball when it no longer behaves normally.
Signs can be that it:
- has cracked
- is no longer round
- has a changed bounce
- moves unevenly through the air
- has become noticeably deformed
So a ball doesn't have to be completely broken to be too worn for good play.
How long do pickleball balls last?
There is no exact number of matches or hours that applies to all balls.
Lifespan depends on, among other things:
- which ball model you use
- how often you play
- playing intensity
- the surface
- temperature
A recreational player can use the same balls for a relatively long time, while intensive training and competitive play can wear them out much faster.
Cheap or expensive pickleball balls?
Just like with other equipment, there are different price ranges.
The cheapest ball is not automatically the most cost-effective choice if it quickly deforms or cracks.
At the same time, you don't always need to buy the most expensive competition ball for regular training.
Consider what the ball will be used for:
- Try-out: a simple and affordable ball is often sufficient.
- Regular training: durability and consistent playing feel become more important.
- Competition: preferably use the same or a similar model as the official ball of the competition.
How many pickleball balls should you buy?
It depends on how you train.
For regular match play, a few balls go a long way. For technical training, more balls are much more practical.
For example, if you are going to hit 50 serves, training becomes significantly more efficient with a larger number of balls.
For clubs and training groups, larger multi-packs can therefore be a natural choice.
Can you use the same ball indoors and outdoors?
Yes, practically speaking, you can. But it's not optimal.
Indoor and outdoor balls are designed for different conditions and will therefore behave differently.
If you play regularly in both environments, we recommend having separate balls for indoors and outdoors.
Which pickleball balls suit you?
| Situation | What you should choose |
|---|---|
| Indoor play | Pickleball ball designed for indoor use |
| Outdoor play | Pickleball ball designed for outdoor use |
| Beginner | The right ball type for the playing environment and preferably the same as the club uses |
| Technical training | Multi-pack with consistent ball model |
| Competition | Same or similar model as the competition's official ball |
| Playing both indoors and outdoors | A set of indoor balls and a set of outdoor balls |
Pickleball ball and pickleball paddle work together
The ball's properties become more noticeable the more you play.
A harder and faster ball, for example, can feel different with a power-oriented paddle than with a softer control paddle.
But the equipment should not be overanalyzed. Technique, timing, and ball control are still more important than small differences between different ball models.
If you are also considering a paddle, you can read our complete buying guide to pickleball paddles.
Which pickleball balls are the best?
There isn't one single pickleball ball that is best in all situations.
The best ball is the one that suits:
- the environment where you play
- the surface
- your level
- how the ball will be used
For most players, the first step is therefore very simple: choose the right ball for indoor or outdoor play.
In the next buying guide, we will go even deeper into that very difference: pickleball balls for indoors vs. outdoors.
Buy pickleball balls at SwePickleball
At SwePickleball, you will find pickleball balls for training, matches, and different playing environments.
Our goal is to make it easy to understand which ball suits you before you buy, so you can choose based on how and where you actually play.
If you want to read more equipment guides, you can find them on our page with buying guides for pickleball.
Frequently asked questions about choosing pickleball balls
Which pickleball ball should I choose?
The most important thing is to choose a ball based on whether you play indoors or outdoors. After that, you can compare factors like durability, speed, bounce, and which ball model is used where you normally play.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor balls?
Indoor balls typically have fewer and larger holes, while outdoor balls often have more and smaller holes and a harder construction to perform better in wind and on outdoor surfaces.
Which pickleball ball is best for beginners?
A beginner should primarily choose the right ball type for their playing environment. If you play in a club, it's often smart to use the same or a similar ball as the club uses for practice.
Can you use outdoor balls indoors?
Yes, but they are not designed for the same conditions and may provide a different playing feel. For regular play, a ball adapted to the environment is recommended.
How many holes does a pickleball ball have?
The number varies between different models. Outdoor balls usually have more and smaller holes, while indoor balls often have fewer and larger holes.
How long does a pickleball ball last?
There is no defined lifespan. Durability is affected by the ball model, temperature, surface, how often you play, and how much stress the ball is under.
When should you replace a pickleball ball?
Replace the ball when it cracks, deforms, or exhibits a noticeably changed bounce or ball trajectory.
What is the best color for a pickleball ball?
Choose a color that is clearly visible against the court and background where you play. Good contrast is more important than a specific color.
How many pickleball balls do you need?
For match play, a few balls are sufficient, but for serve and technical practice, a larger number is much more practical.
Where can I buy pickleball balls?
You can find current models in SwePickleball's assortment of pickleball balls.
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