Rugby vs. Tennis & Padel
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 key differences identified.
Official rugby balls are prolate spheroids regulated by World Rugby (Law 2) for Rugby Union and the RFL for Rugby League. An adult match ball (Size 5) has a length of 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in), long circumference of 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in), short circumference of 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in), mass of 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz), and pressure of 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 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
18 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Match Size
|
Size 5 World Rugby / IRL Standard | — |
|
Length Axis (Tip to Tip)
|
280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in) | — |
|
Long Circumference
|
740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in) | — |
|
Short Circumference
|
580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in) | — |
|
Mass / Weight
|
410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz) | — |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi / 65.71–68.75 kPa) | — |
|
Size 4 Youth (Ages 10–14)
|
270 mm length / 540 mm short circ / 370–390 g Youth Standard | — |
|
Size 3 Junior (Under 10)
|
250 mm length / 500 mm short circ / 310–330 g Junior Standard | — |
|
Panel Geometry
|
4-Panel Poly-Cotton Laminate with Rubber Compound Pimple Grip 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 |