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What is the difference between outdoor and indoor pickleball balls?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 17, 2026

You'll notice the holes are a little larger than an outdoor ball and there are fewer holes all together. If you closely examine them, you'll also notice indoor balls are softer, lighter, and a little less bouncy. Meaning you have a bit more control and can play around with more powerful shots.

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 can you tell the difference between indoor and outdoor pickleballs?

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.

Why are indoor and outdoor pickleballs different?

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).

Which pickleballs are for outside?

The most prevalent brands of outdoor pickleballs are: TOP, Dura, and ONIX. All three of these balls are approved by the USA Pickleball Association's for tournament play. All three are seamless. They are made through a rotationally molded one piece construction process.

20 related questions found

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor track?

On outdoor tracks, athletes run on a flat surface, whereas on indoor tracks, not only is the radius of the curves much smaller, but there's also a slight incline. To aid the runners, curves on indoor tracks are often (but not always) clothoidal (meaning that they have different radiuses, normally three).

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.

Are all pickleball balls the same?

Indoor pickleball balls are meant to be played indoors and are thus lighter, softer, and quieter. They have fewer holes drilled into them and are easier to control. Their outdoor counterparts are generally heavier, durable, and better for power shots.

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 type of ball is used for 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.

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.

What color ball is most popular when playing outdoors in pickleball?

Best Outdoor Ball: Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleball

They are a bright highlighter yellow that makes them very easy to see on the court, regardless of the weather.

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.

What brand of pickleball is used in tournaments?

The Dura Fast 40 pickleball is the most time-tested and consistent pickleball in the sport today. It has been the official ball multiple times at the US Open, at Nationals, and is consistently used in tournaments all around the country.

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.

What is the difference between a pickleball and 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.

Is pickleball an indoor or outdoor sport?

Pickleball is one of the sports which can be played both outdoors and indoors but like not too many of the other sports, there are pros and cons associated with either option.

Can pickleball be played indoors?

One of the most enjoyable qualities of pickleball is that it's a sport that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.

Do you need spikes for indoor track?

Most tracks like this have regulations regarding the size you can wear. Indoor Tracks - Most temporary indoor tracks are wood with a carpet-like surface. Use 3/16 needle or smaller spikes, if they allow any at all.

Is there throwing in indoor track?

Outdoor competitors race 100 meters, whereas indoor they compete in 60-meter races. Indoor includes the weight throw, however this event is not contested outdoor.

Is discus indoor or outdoor?

Although named "Indoor Discus", it can be thrown either indoors or outdoors.

Is it legal to toss the ball up on a pickleball serve?

Serving Basics

The ball can be dropped from any height but cannot be thrown, tossed, or otherwise released with any added force to bounce it. Serve to the diagonally opposite service court from behind the baseline and on or within the imaginary extension of the sidelines and centerline.

What is considered an illegal serve in pickleball?

No matter which type of pickleball you are playing, you have 10 seconds to serve after the score has been called or it's technically an illegal serve in pickleball.