With padel taking the UK by storm, many beginners are dipping their toes in the sport.
But with a new set of rules to learn, you may be wondering whether padel balls are the same as tennis balls.
Read on as we break down the key difference between the two, whether you can play padel with a tennis ball, and how Zylo Padel balls can upgrade your play.
What’s the difference between tennis and padel balls?
Although people may think that padel and tennis are similar games, they carry a number of large differences, including rackets and courts, which means that each sport demands its own dedicated ball. Their main differences include:
Size
Tennis balls should be around 6.54-6.86 cm in diameter, while padel balls should be 6.35-6.77 cm, making them slightly smaller in comparison.
This difference in size means that padel balls can stay controlled in a smaller court and can bounce off walls and enclosures as needed.
Pressure
The main difference between a padel and a tennis ball is pressure, varying by approximately 2 PSI.
These strict pressure requirements ensure optimal bounce and performance, staying lively and fast enough to keep up with the demands of each game.
Bounce and speed
Due to their differences in pressure, padel and tennis balls also vary in bounce and speed.
While tennis balls tend to bounce higher and travel faster, padel balls should be more predictable and controlled. This means that they can suit their respective courts and tactics needed for each game.
Felt and durability
Both tennis and padel balls are covered in felt. However, for padel, it might be slightly thinner or denser. This optimises them to be durable against frequent contact with glass walls and enclosures, while tennis balls remain suitable for grass or clay courts.
Can I play padel with a tennis ball?
Technically, yes. Tennis balls can be used in a padel game instead, if needed for casual play. However, due to their increased pressure, they might be more unpredictable during play, making rallies shorter, more difficult, and less controlled, leading to a much less enjoyable game overall.
During an official game, such as at a tournament, tennis balls won’t meet the ball specifications and therefore won’t be allowed.
Zylo Padel balls
Here at Zylo Padel, we design and supply padel balls that consistently offer optimal performance, ensuring that bounce and flight projection remain steady.
Crafted using high-quality materials, our equipment is made by padel players for padel players, so you don’t have to make do with products that are built for a different sport.
Our balls meet FIP standards and are suitable for tournaments and competitions. That’s why we’re trusted by many padel clubs across the UK, alongside the Britain Padel Tour Academy and Condé Nast Traveller.
Ready to elevate your game? Experience our padel balls for yourself.
