Pickleball balls generally come in two types:
● Indoor pickleball balls
● Outdoor pickleball balls
Indoor pickleball
Indoor pickleball balls weigh around 0.8 ounces and are softer and smaller when compared to their outdoor counterparts. They are meant for groups who prefer playing the sport indoors where the environment is more consistent and not prone to the whims of mother nature. Pickleball balls feature holes that help them navigate the winds more consistently. Since indoor pickleball balls don’t need to brave the winds, they feature fewer, albeit bigger, holes, with the standard indoor pickleball balls boasting 26 holes. Fewer holes also enhance the overall airflow, allowing for better control, consistent bounces, and precise trajectories in indoor conditions. Their textured surfaces also make it easier for the player to give the ball more spin, and you can expect longer rallies when playing with one. However, the increased drag these types of pickleball balls boast makes them harder to slam or hit power shots with.
Outdoor pickleball
Irregular wind patterns, changing weather, and uneven playing surfaces shift the dynamics of pickleball. So, outdoor pickleball requires a ball that is specifically designed to adapt to and mitigate these elementary pressures and ensure they do not ruin the playing experience. Firmer than their indoor counterparts, outdoor pickleball balls weigh over 0.9 ounces. The smooth surface and weight make these balls less likely to wear and tear, although we do not recommend using one ball for more than ten outdoor matches since the elements are bound to cause deterioration in its spin and bounce. Talking about bounce, outdoor pickleball balls bounce better and are easier to hit power shots with. However, you may experience shorter rallies, less control, and less spin when playing with one. Outdoor pickleball balls are constructed with the elements and terrain of the outside in mind. So, they feature more, yet small, holes with the standard outdoor pickleball boasting 40 holes drilled into it. The holes lessen the impact of wind and prevent the ball from deflecting due to it.