A padel ball looks like a tennis ball, but it’s slightly smaller and has a lower internal pressure. That’s why the game is slower and the ball comes off the walls in a more controlled way.
How is a padel ball different from a tennis ball?
A padel ball is slightly smaller than a tennis ball, and its internal pressure is lower. It bounces less and travels more slowly. On a padel court, a tennis ball is too fast and bounces too high off the walls.
What are the requirements for a padel ball?
Only balls approved by the International Padel Federation (FIP) may be used in official competitions.
| Property | FIP requirement |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 6.35–6.77 cm |
| Weight | 56.0–59.4 g |
| Bounce | 135–145 cm when dropped from a height of 2.54 m |
| Internal pressure | 4.6–5.2 kg (the unit FIP uses) |
| Colour | from 2026, need not be yellow or white |
Should you choose a fast or slow ball?
A fast ball suits an experienced player. A slower ball is more comfortable for a beginner, because it’s easier to keep a rally going with it. Brands make both faster and slower balls, but the names vary from brand to brand, so check the packaging to see whether a ball is meant for fast or controlled play.
How long do padel balls last?
Once the tube is opened, the balls start to lose pressure. The more you play, the faster they soften and the felt wears. A worn ball bounces less and slows the game down.
A simple test: drop an old ball and a new one from the same height. If the old ball bounces noticeably lower, it’s time to replace it.
Does cold affect the ball?
Yes. In the cold, the ball’s internal pressure drops and it bounces less. You’ll notice this on outdoor courts in Estonia in spring and autumn. Keep your balls in a warm bag before you play; a cold car is a bad place for them. Heat has the opposite effect: the ball gets faster.
How should you store balls?
- Keep opened balls at room temperature.
- A ball pressuriser is a canister that keeps opened balls under higher pressure and makes them last longer.
- Dry wet balls. Wet felt gets heavy and wears out faster.
Where can you buy balls?
Many centres sell balls on site: see the centres that sell balls. Sports shops sell them too. At Padel Shark in Pärnu, for example, a tube of three balls cost €8–10 as of 26 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play padel with tennis balls?
At a push, yes, but the game is too fast and the ball bounces too high off the walls. Use padel balls.
How many balls do you need to play?
Usually three, the number that comes in one tube.
Do new balls need breaking in?
No. A new ball is slightly faster the first few times you play with it.