American Football vs. Pickleball
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 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.
Official pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Specification Comparison Table
16 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 | — |
|
Official Diameter
|
— | 72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) |
|
Rebound Bounce Height
|
— | 76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite |
|
Compression Hardness (Durometer)
|
— | 40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F |
|
Total Hole Count
|
— | 26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes |
|
Outdoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant |
|
Indoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin |
|
Construction
|
— | Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard |