What's the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 21, 2026
The differences between indoor pickleball balls and outdoor pickleball balls lead to more differences between inside and outside games. Balls designed for indoor use are lighter, airier, and made of softer plastic. They have larger holes, and only about 26 of them (vs 40 holes for an outdoor ball).
Can you play indoor pickleball with outdoor balls?
Not recommended. Some people do, however, like to use indoor pickleballs outdoors so they can take advantage of the softer balls that lead to easier control and longer rallies. However, since it is made for indoors, they will be more sensitive to wind than an outdoor ball would be.
How do you tell the difference between an indoor and outdoor pickleball?
As mentioned above, indoor pickleballs have larger holes while outdoor balls have smaller holes. Although there is no set number for indoor or outdoor balls, usually indoor balls have 26 holes, while outdoor balls have 40 holes. Indoor and outdoor balls can also be quite different depending on where they will be used.
Are all pickle balls the same?
Formerly called Dura 56 balls, the manufacturer has changed the name to Dura Fast 40. Dura 56 and Dura Fast 40 pickleballs are the same ball - just different names. There are 40 holes, of varying sizes, in the Dura Fast 40 ball. Dura Fast 40 pickleballs are available in white, yellow, neon and orange.
How do you pick a pickleball ball?
You can expect better performance with an optimum-sized pickleball since it will come off the paddle more efficiently. We recommend indoor pickleball balls with a diameter of around 2.8 inches. For outdoor pickleball balls, you may choose one with a 2.9 inches diameter.
41 related questions foundWhat is an indoor pickleball?
Pickleballs come in two distinct types based on the surface you are playing on. Outdoor balls have smaller and more frequent holes to ensure a more predictable flight path in wind. Indoor balls have softer and lighter plastic with larger holes for more accurate shots and bounce on indoor surfaces.
What is the most durable indoor pickleball?
Best Indoor Ball: Onix Fuse Indoor Pickeball
They also feature a high-end seamless structure design that makes them both durable, and precise in their bounce pattern. The end result is a set of indoor pickleball balls that fly true and bounce well.
Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball paddles?
The ball inside is much softer and is easier to control. Outside controlling ball flight can be a bit tougher. Weather and elevation can also have an effect on outdoor play.
What is the best color for a pickleball?
Many players tell us the red is easiest to see when playing indoors, so give them a try if the standard colors have given you trouble. They have the same gentle feel and high bounce as the popular Jugs Indoor Pickleballs, so you won't be missing out on quality.
What is the quietest pickleball ball?
The Gamma Foam Quiet Pickleball is the solution for players who want a quieter game. Instead of plastic, these balls are made of a quiet foam. These balls aren't approved for tournament play and will play slightly differently than plastic balls.
How many holes are in an indoor pickleball?
Regulation pickleballs must have between 26-40 holes
Typically indoor pickleballs will have fewer larger holes and outdoor balls will have smaller holes, but more of them.
What are the two types of pickleball serves called?
There are three types of serves in pickleball:
- High Soft Serve.
- Power Serve.
- Soft Angle Serve.
Can you play pickleball outdoors?
The great thing about pickleball is that it's non-seasonal. You can play any time of year regardless of outside temperature. In general, whether you decide to play pickleball indoors or outdoors is up to your personal preference, or the preference of the group.
What kind of ball do they use in pickleball?
Instead of using the felt-covered balls that you'd find in tennis, pickleball uses plastic balls with perforated holes instead. Most would refer to this kind of a ball as a “wiffle ball.” These balls move through the air a lot cleaner than a tennis ball because they're a lot lighter and the holes create less drag.
What color are indoor pickleballs?
The only thing that the rules specify is that the ball must have a uniform color. The most popular color that you'll see is orange. Also, white and yellow pickleballs are very common. Generally, a pickleball player finds it easier to see a pickleball that has a darker color, especially inside gyms.
Why is it called pickleball?
Joel Pritchard's wife, Joan, started to call their game pickleball because “the combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” But according to Barney McCallum, they named the game after Pritchard's dog, who was (as you might've ...
How many holes are in an outdoor pickleball?
Outdoor pickleball balls are heavier, harder, made of smooth plastic and have 40 drilled holes. Due to their weight and construction, outdoor pickleballs are less effected by wind. Outdoor pickleballs come off the paddle faster and harder than indoor balls. They are easier to hit hard due to having less drag.
Who makes Dura Fast 40 Pickleballs?
Dura Fast 40 Outdoor Pickleballs by Onix | Pickleball, Inc.
How high should a pickleball bounce?
The USAPA developed a standardized test for all balls to be approved and the accepted bounce height is 30 to 34 Inches.
Are all pickleball paddles the same size?
Grip Size of Pickleball Paddle
Most pickleball paddle grips are between 4 inches and 4.5 inches in circumference. The pickleball grip size that you prefer may come down to your preference (including your preference on the weight, bulk, and comfort of the pickleball grip).
What is the necessary equipment needed for pickleball?
The necessary equipment required to play pickleball includes pickleball paddles, pickleballs, a pickleball court, and a pickleball net. Tape may be needed to identify court dimensions and markings if an official court is not available.
What kind of shoes are best for pickleball?
The best shoe for pickleball is a court shoe or tennis shoe — one that has great comfort, grip, ankle support, rubber soles, and a tread pattern conducive to quick lateral movements.
What is the most popular pickleball?
Although they are now sold in several colors including yellow, white, green and orange, yellow is still the most popular selling ball. The most popular pickleball ball brands are Top, Onix and Dura.
Is a pickleball the same as a wiffle ball?
And, if you're like me, then you're likely wondering if pickleball and wiffle ball are the same thing, or if they are different. The main difference between pickleball and wiffle ball is that one is played with a paddle and one is played with a bat. Pickleball uses paddles and wiffle ball uses bats.
What are indoor pickleball courts made of?
Pickleball court surfaces are identical to tennis and basketball surfaces, for asphalt or concrete courts. They are textured with a smooth and rounded, non-aggressive silica sand.