Soccer vs. Tennis & Padel
Comparing 2 standards across 19 specifications. 19 key differences identified.
Official soccer balls are governed by IFAB Law 2 and FIFA Quality Programme standards. The adult match ball (Size 5) has a circumference of 68.0–70.0 cm (27–28 in), weight of 410–450 g (14–16 oz), and inflation pressure of 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi). Youth categories use Size 4 (ages 8–12) and Size 3 (under 8), while Futsal uses a low-bounce weighted bladder.
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
19 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standard Adult Size
|
Size 5 IFAB / FIFA Official Match | — |
|
Size 5 Circumference
|
68.0–70.0 cm (26.8–27.6 in) | — |
|
Size 5 Mass / Weight
|
410–450 g (14.5–15.9 oz) | — |
|
Size 5 Inflation Pressure
|
0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi / 600–1,100 g/cm²) | — |
|
Size 4 Circumference (Youth 8–12)
|
63.5–66.0 cm (25.0–26.0 in) | — |
|
Size 4 Mass / Weight
|
350–390 g (12.3–13.8 oz) | — |
|
Size 3 Circumference (Junior <8)
|
58.5–61.0 cm (23.0–24.0 in) | — |
|
Size 3 Mass / Weight
|
300–320 g (10.6–11.3 oz) | — |
|
Futsal Ball Size
|
Size 4 (Low-Bounce) 62.0–64.0 cm / 400–440 g (55–65 cm rebound) | — |
|
Standard Outer Construction
|
32-Panel (20 Hexagons + 12 Pentagons) or Thermal-Bonded PU Synthetic Leather | — |
|
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 |