Padel is a racket sport that has rapidly grown to be a favorite sport in the last decade. This is even more so as more individuals invest their time and effort into playing padel, thus it is crucial to be aware of the specifications of padel balls, and brands.
Padel is played in double and is played on a small enclosed court, which is a third of the size of a Tennis court, and the walls of the court can be bounced off the padel ball. Padel balls also contain a rubber core with a felt layer on the outside but have lower pressure inside and bounce differently from a tennis ball because of the characteristics of a padel court.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) is an international institution that acts as the global ruling body and specializes in official standards for listed padel balls. Currently, professionals in the World Padel Tour play with standard padel balls, featuring the top players in the international circuit. Let’s learn more about paddle balls in this article!
Padel Ball Technical Specifications
The regulated size of a padel ball is 6.35 – 6.77 cm in diameter and weighs between 56- 59 grams according to the FIP. This is somewhat less in size and weight as compared to the standard tennis ball. Padel’s ball has a diameter, an ideal weight that provides more control and a low bounce compared to tennis for the designated padel court.
The ball’s bounce as per the FIP rule, bounces 135-145 cm when dropped from 2.5 meters. This serves to give the ball a consistent bounce to get rid of the difference in bounce from one brand of ball to another.
It is also evident that different balls, such as Padel balls, have different sounds when hit, the sound of the Padel ball being hollow due to the rubber core. This particular sound offers significant acoustic signals for padel players in the course of games. The materials inside the ball contribute to sound each time the ball hits rackets or walls.
The felt covering of the ball is made from a material that has a uniform texture and elasticity and bounces off any surface, including glass walls and metallic mesh. Consequently, the ball can absorb and handle more impact when shot at high speeds against these surfaces.
Types of Padel Balls
There are two main types of padel balls used in the sport: The official training balls and tournament balls used for padel have received endorsement from the International Padel Federation (FIP) – the official global sporting authority for padel.
Training Balls
For training purposes, the balls have a diminished bounce and slightly lower internal pressure than tournament balls. They are for those practicing and perfecting their padel skills since the ball does not travel at a fast rate or bounce high thus allowing a player to practice shots on a padel court. Some of the common things that most players always employ include the use of training balls especially when they are introducing novices to the game.
Tournament Balls
Recognized FIP tournaments or professional padel balls have stipulated standard measurements for competitive play and pro padel tours such as the WPT. They can rebound 135-145 cm off a hard surface when dropped 2 meters and have an internal pressure of 0.4 to 0.7 atmospheres. It includes Head Padel Pro, Wilson, Babolat, and many more.
Other Considerations
There are also specific padel balls that are manufactured for high altitude, for outdoor courts, and which have a lower bounce; there can even be a difference in speed, pressure, and durability between different brands, when it comes to the many hits the padel balls receive against the padel rackets, walls and wire mesh.
Many players experiment with different tournament ball brands in their attempts to acquire the right padel balls that they love to come in their preferred weight, diameter, and bounciness depending on their style of play and the surface they get to play on.
Choosing the Right Padel Ball
When practicing padel, the ball plays a crucial role since different balls provide different effects. Similar to any ball used in professional tennis, padel balls must adhere to guidelines set by the International Padel Federation (FIP), but there is some flexibility.
Surface and Conditions
One thing that comes into play is the type of material that the court is made from and the weather that one normally plays in. Specific types of courts like hard indoor courts demand balls that have slightly less bounce and internal pressure than the standard ball. Outdoor courts and warm weather might require more resilient balls, which can be the case here. Another factor is that when the tower location is at a much higher altitude, the bounce will be affected as well.
Intensiveness or Extensiveness and Complexity or Simpleness
The recreational players can just go for a normal padel ball, while the leveled and competitive players require a ball that has a proper bounce and is more resilient during the games. The speed and spin you prefer to hit, should also be considered in making the right ball selection. The balls that can be hit aggressively are those with a felt surface and they travel at extremely high speeds.
Brands and Models
It is good to know that today the most popular padel ball brands such as Head, Wilson, and Babolat, have different models depending on your gameplay preference and the court conditions. It is preferable to try some out, but understanding the feel and performance of the specific brand may help how these popular Padel balls feel when in use.
Thus, you will be able to feel and distinguish your preferred padel ball that offers you the control, consistency, and touch you need in the game. Although the price may be an accurate measure of quality, even a high-quality ball will have to be replaced eventually; establish feasible equipment parameters. Also, consult with other padel players for this can make a difference in your play.
Padel Ball Brands and Models
Several companies produce padel balls and, in the case of searching online for a new one, several brands are available. Here are some of the best padel balls:
- Head Padel Pro: The professional model ball that the World Padel Tour organization has approved. It is adequate for the purpose, providing a good measure of extra velocity and responsive handling. The felt cover is designed to hold out against the rigors of play remain bouncier and retain pressure for hours on end. Ideal for players in search of a strong and long-lasting ball for their tournaments.
- Babolat: Comes with a very tough felt top for added long-wearing ability of the board. The soft felt provides very good friction on shots giving the player good controlling ability. Ensures it has a consistency of bounce even when pressure reduces. Certainly good for those who are more inclined to compete with other players in the game.
- Wilson: This product is preferred by some of the best Padel players within the sport. Designed for high speeds and effective shock absorption during rallies, it features a natural rubber core that is ideal for speed and spin-on shots.
- Adidas Padel Speed: Premium Padel balls for professional competitive games. They are made from high-density premium felt to allow players to easily control the ball and handle it in the playing arena. Very tough to handle the players who engage in stiff and intense play.
- Dunlop Pro Padel: Designed to be playable in any weather conditions that may be experienced on the field. It is waterproof and thus is suitable for outdoor courts and other courts that are exposed to high humidity. On the bounce factor, it offers a consistent bounce and maintains pressures on various surfaces. Allows easy manipulation for indoor and outdoor activities at a higher level.
These brands are popular among padel players and offer a range of options depending on your needs and preferences.
Caring for Your Padel Balls
Proper care of your padel balls can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their performance. Here are some detailed tips:
Storage
- Cool, Dry Place: It is important to note that the padel balls used in one of the most popular sports played in a court with walls made of glass and metallic mesh should be stored in a dry and cool place. It is also advised to stay away from places that are directly under the scorching sun, it does affect the rubber and felt part.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Fluctuations in temperature also impact the compression measured in the internal pressure is vital for the ball to bounce off the side walls and the back wall creating inconsistency for padel players.
Temperature and Humidity
- Stable Conditions: It is advisable to store your padel balls in a location with a constant temperature and humidity range. Humid conditions can make them feel wet, heavy, and difficult to control while hitting shots in the service area or behind the back wall.
- Avoid Damp Areas: It should also be noted that in this case, balls should not be stored in humid areas, as it can cause mold on the felt, and balls become suitable only for practicing in amateur tournaments.
Cleaning
- Regular Cleaning: Wash your padel balls often to remove any dust or other things that may settle on the felt to hinder the balls’ bounciness when striking the hard floor. To clean the surface you should use a soft cloth and sometimes mild soap.
- Dry Thoroughly: Once you are done cleaning them, ensure you dry the balls before storing them to avoid any bad smells. Any excess moisture can create problems such as mold which affects the forward momentum and bounce of the ball.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Gentle Cleaning Agents: Do not use strong soap solutions to wash padel balls, but plain water is sufficient. Materials that are either very reactive with the material used in the ball’s felt cover or are likely to wear it down quickly also affect the ball’s quality in terms of longevity and the quality of waist-level or overhead shots.
- Soft Cloth: It is advised that these balls should be cleaned only with the help of a soft cloth. It can cause wearing of the felt whereby the ball may not be comfortable or as controllable during games.
With such care tips, your padel balls will always be in better shape and this will help you hit shots up the side walls or cross court should you be playing singles or doubles. Maintenance is very important as it improves the playing experience yet extends the duration it will take before it requires the attention of a technician.
Tips for Buying Padel Balls
When buying padel balls, consider these essential tips to ensure you choose the best ones for your playing style and conditions.
- Consider the price and durability of the balls, as well as any special features or technologies.
- Look for balls that meet the FIP standards and have a consistent bounce and feel.
- Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other players.
- Consider buying in bulk or purchasing a ball pressurizer to extend the life of your balls.
FAQs
What is a padel ball?
A padel ball is a pressurized rubber ball slightly smaller than a tennis ball used in the game of padel with regulating size and pressure as per the International Padel Federation. Padel balls have a soft felt cover and less internal pressure compared to tennis balls to enable a predetermined bounce on padel’s enclosed perimeter hard surface courts.
What is the difference between a tennis ball and a padel ball?
Tennis balls and padel balls differ more in their bounciness and how they look – padel balls are furry and less bouncy to allow play in padel’s closed courts with walls while tennis balls are bigger, denser, and bouncier for outdoor use. Padel balls provide more control and a slower game to let players think about 2 times before hitting the ball on the walls, unlike tennis balls which are fast when played on more open ground.
Are there different types of padel balls?
Padel balls can vary depending on the playing level. For professional padel tours, balls are designed to be fast and have a consistent bounce. In contrast, leisure padel balls often have a better grip and may offer a slightly higher bounce to enhance playability for casual players.
Can I play Padel with tennis balls?
Padel can be played with a tennis ball if padel balls are not available. However, tennis balls have a higher bounce and behave differently off the padel court walls.
Is Pickleball the same as padel ball?
Padel and pickleball share some similar characteristics as both involve playing with a perforated paddle; however, the main difference is padel employs pressurized balls on a confined court with walls, while pickleball employs a plastic ball and a tennis-like court with no walls.
