Pickleball vs. Tennis & Padel
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
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.
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 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 | — |
|
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 |