American Football vs. Tennis & Padel
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
Official American footballs are governed by the NFL and NCAA rulebooks. The pro/college ball (Size 9) features a prolate spheroid shape with a long axis of 11.0–11.25 in (27.9–28.6 cm), long circumference of 27.75–28.5 in (70.5–72.4 cm), short circumference of 20.75–21.25 in (52.7–54.0 cm), weight of 14.0–15.0 oz (397–425 g), and inflation pressure of 12.5–13.5 psi.
Tennis balls are regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) under Rule 3, with standard Type 2 pressurized balls having a diameter of 6.54–6.86 cm (2.57–2.70 in), weight of 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz), and a rebound of 135–147 cm (53–58 in) dropped from 2.54 m. Padel balls are governed by the FIP, sharing identical diameter (6.35–6.77 cm) but operating at lower internal pressure (11 psi / 4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) for a slightly slower rebound of 135–145 cm.
Specification Comparison Table
17 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Pro / College Tier
|
Size 9 (Wilson The Duke) NFL / NCAA Standard | — |
|
Long Axis Length
|
27.9–28.6 cm (11.0–11.25 in) | — |
|
Long Circumference
|
70.5–72.4 cm (27.75–28.5 in) | — |
|
Short Circumference
|
52.7–54.0 cm (20.75–21.25 in) | — |
|
Weight / Mass
|
397–425 g (14.0–15.0 oz) | — |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
12.5–13.5 psi (0.86–0.93 bar / 86.2–93.1 kPa) | — |
|
Outer Material
|
4-Piece Full-Grain Horween Leather with Pebble Grain Cowhide | — |
|
Lacing Specification
|
1 Lacing containing exactly 8 Cross-Stitches Pro Standard | — |
|
Standard Tennis Ball (Type 2)
|
— | 6.54–6.86 cm (2.575–2.700 in) diameter |
|
Tennis Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Tennis Rebound Height
|
— | 135–147 cm (53–58 in) when dropped from 254 cm onto concrete |
|
Standard Internal Pressure
|
— | 12.0 psi (0.83 bar / ~83 kPa pressurized gas) |
|
Padel Ball Diameter (FIP)
|
— | 6.35–6.77 cm (2.50–2.665 in) |
|
Padel Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Padel Rebound Height
|
— | 135–145 cm when dropped from 254 cm |
|
Padel Internal Pressure
|
— | 10.0–11.0 psi (4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) |
|
Covering Material
|
— | Two-Piece Dumbbell Wool/Nylon Meltons (Optic Yellow Felt) Vulcanized Rubber Core |