Pickleballs: differences between indoor and outdoor
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A pickleball looks like a pickleball, until you play with the wrong one on the wrong court. These are the real differences.
The two families
| Indoor | Outdoor | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | Fewer and larger (usually 26) | More and smaller (usually 40) |
| Plastic | Softer and more flexible | Harder and more durable |
| Feel | Slower, bounces higher | Faster, less sensitive to wind |
| Ideal surface | Hardwood, covered court | Concrete, resin, outdoor court |
According to the official specifications, a pickleball measures between 2.87 and 2.97 inches (73 and 75.5 mm) in diameter and weighs between 0.78 and 0.93 ounces (22.1 and 26.5 g). Both families fit within that range.
Which to use
- Outdoor court: outdoor ball. The indoor one deforms sooner with heat and concrete.
- Gym or covered court: indoor, which does better on smooth floors.
- If in doubt: ask at the club which ball they play with and use that one.
How long they last
There's no figure valid for everyone. A ball is replaced when it's cracked, oval, or when it no longer bounces the same. Rough concrete courts wear them out sooner.
How not to lose them or bend down a hundred times
A doubles session can have dozens of balls on the ground: the ones that go to the fence, the ones that land in the kitchen, the ones that sneak onto the next court. A small help is the SCOOP ball pickup tool, a silicone piece that slips onto the end of the handle and holds the ball so you can lift it without bending down. It adds about 33 g (1.2 oz) to the handle.
We tell it in detail in which ball pickup tool to choose.
What happens if you use the wrong ball
- Indoor ball on an outdoor court: the wind moves it more, rough concrete scratches and deforms it sooner, and it softens in the heat.
- Outdoor ball on an indoor court: it plays faster and bounces lower and harder on a smooth floor. You can play with it, but the game changes and soft shots are harder.
Heat and cold matter too
Pickleballs are made of plastic, so temperature changes them. In the cold the plastic hardens, the ball plays livelier and cracks more easily. In the heat it softens and loses some bounce. That is why more outdoor balls break in winter, and why it is better not to leave them in a hot car in summer.
If you are buying your first balls
- First look at where you will play most: if it is outdoors, start with outdoor balls.
- Buy several at once: they get lost, they crack, and you will use more than one in a practice session.
- Choose a color that contrasts with your court: yellow or orange on a blue or green court is easy to see.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an outdoor ball indoors?
You can, and it's harder and faster. Many clubs on covered courts prefer an indoor ball, which bounces softer.
How many holes does a pickleball have?
Indoor ones usually have 26 and outdoor ones 40, although there are different models.
What color is a pickleball?
There are yellow, orange, green and white ones. You choose the one that shows up best against the court.
Why does a pickleball have holes?
The holes slow the ball down in the air and make it slower and easier to control than a solid ball. Their number and size change how it flies, which is why indoor and outdoor balls are different.
Can you play pickleball with balls from another sport?
It is not a good idea. Padel or tennis balls bounce much more and change the game completely. To start properly, use pickleballs.
