What Kind of Ball Is Used in Pickleball: Pick the Right One

Ask anyone new to pickleball, and they’ll swear it’s just a wiffle ball. That makes sense; both are made of plastic, perforated, and lightweight. But once you’ve played a few real games, the difference is obvious. The actual pickleball is a hard plastic sphere with 26-40 precision-drilled holes, designed for consistent bounce and control. USA Pickleball and the International Pickleball Federation regulate which balls are tournament-approved. This article compares wiffle, tennis, indoor, and outdoor options, and explains exactly what kind of ball is used in pickleball. If you play seriously, the MX PRO Pickleballs (3-pack or 6-pack) are the ball to trust.

Pickleball Features: Official Size, Weight, and Design Needs

The ball used in pickleball must meet design standards set by governing bodies like USA Pickleball and the International Pickleball Federation. That’s because Pickleball is a type of sport that requires a ball with consistent flight, bounce, and court-ready feel. These standards define exactly what type of ball is used in pickleball, and they apply across recreational and tournament levels. Here is a full breakdown of what to look for in approved pickleballs.

Material

So, what is a pickleball made of? Official balls are made from high-grade plastic. The most commonly used and accepted material is a hard polymer like polyethylene or polypropylene. The surface should be smooth, without any textures or seams. MAX5 pickleballs, for example, use a one-piece seamless build crafted from eco-friendly polypropylene. This results in a consistent bounce, a balanced feel, and the kind of flight players can rely on even when the rally gets fast.

Size / Diameter

The diameter of a pickleball must fall between 2.87 and 2.97 inches, as defined by USA Pickleball standards. So, the pickleball is a little bit larger than a tennis ball and more compact than a standard Wiffle ball. In metric terms, a pickleball has a diameter between 7.30 and 7.55 cm (2.87 to 2.97 inches), or a circumference of 22.86 to 23.71 cm (9.02 to 9.34 inches).

Weight

Weight affects control more than most new players realize. According to official rules, a pickleball must weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces (22.1-26.5 grams). Heavier balls tend to handle outdoor conditions better, especially wind, while lighter ones offer a slightly softer touch on indoor courts.

Still, the ball used in pickleball must fall within this approved range, no matter the setting. The MAX5 MX Pro Pickleballs clock in at 0.917 oz, right in the competitive sweet spot for reliable play in all conditions.

Color

There are no restrictions on color, but tournament rules require the ball to be a single, uniform shade. Most balls used in regulation matches are yellow, orange, or white.

The color choice matters, especially in doubles or fast volleys where reaction time is limited. Bright tones like optic green or neon yellow improve tracking during rallies and reduce eye strain over long sessions. MAX5’s Optic Green model is designed for maximum visibility across both indoor and outdoor environments.

Design

A tournament-approved pickleball must have between 26 and 40 precision-drilled holes, with uniform spacing that regulates airflow and stabilizes flight. We’ll cover the difference between outdoor and indoor pickleballs below. But that’s not all. The design must meet performance thresholds, including:

• A hardness rating between 40-50 on the Durometer D scale
• A bounce height between 30 and 34 inches when dropped from 78 inches at room temperature

These numbers aren’t arbitrary; they determine how the ball plays in real-game scenarios.

Pro Tip!

Before any tournament, find out which model will be used. Balls sound, spin, and feel different by brand. If you haven’t trained with that model, buy a few and test them ahead of time. Your timing, control, and paddle connection will thank you.

Our current go-to is the MX Pro Pickleballs, available in a 3-pack or 6-pack. They deliver match-level consistency, meet all official specs, and offer performance that rivals the Franklin X-40. For players who train often and expect a responsive ball that won’t warp after a few games, the MX Pro is a solid choice, on or off the tournament court.

Pickleball vs Other Sport’s Balls (Tennis Ball, Wiffle Ball, etc)

New players often wonder why the ball used in pickleball feels so different from the balls used in other paddle or racquet sports. This section breaks down how the pickleball compares with other sport-specific balls.

Pickleballs vs. Other Racquet Sports

See a side-by-side comparison of how the ball used in pickleball stacks up against those used in tennis, racquetball, ping pong, and squash. This will show you how pickleball isn’t just slower tennis or oversized ping pong.

Pickleball vs. Wiffle Ball

Is a pickleball a wiffle ball? That’s one of the most common beginner questions, and while it seems logical at first glance, they’re different once you start hitting them. From the number of holes and color, there are many differences between pickleball & wiffle ball. Here’s where they overlap:

Choosing the Right Ball for Indoor or Outdoor Pickleball Play

Pickleball uses two main types of balls: indoor and outdoor. They’re not interchangeable. The material, bounce, and feel change how you play. Here’s what matters:

• Durability: Indoor balls are softer and last longer on smooth gym floors. Outdoor balls are harder but crack faster on rough concrete.
• Bounce: Indoor balls bounce higher and feel lighter. Outdoor balls bounce lower and stay stable in wind.
• Hole Count: Indoor balls have 26 large holes. Outdoor balls have 40 smaller holes to cut through air better.
• Weight: Outdoor balls are heavier, giving more control in outdoor conditions. Indoor balls are easier to flick and move quickly.
• Feel: Indoor balls feel soft and quiet. Outdoor balls feel hard, fast, and louder off the paddle.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Ball Comparison

New Rule on Ball Color (2025)

Does it matter what color pickleballs are? Technically, no—but what you wear next year will. Rule 2.G.1 (2025) requires players to avoid clothing that matches the ball color.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Ball visibility must stay high throughout play
• Clothing that blends with ball color = not allowed
• Tournament Directors can ask players to change apparel
• Yellow balls remain standard, but neon orange or green may vary by venue

Bring a neutral backup shirt. You don’t want your outfit disqualifying your game.

Summary: Which Ball Really Counts?

Now that you know what kind of ball is used in pickleball, make sure to use USAPA-approved ones. Using a wiffle ball will ruin gameplay, and you’d have cracked 1,000 of them by now. Pickleballs are made from molded plastic, built to take pace, spin, and constant rallies. They come in two types:

• Outdoor balls: Heavier, smoother, with 40 smaller holes to handle wind and speed
• Indoor balls: Lighter, softer, and designed with larger holes for control on wood or indoor courts

They may look similar to Wiffle balls or training baseballs, but they’re engineered for very different physics. USA Pickleball and the International Pickleball Federation regulate which balls qualify for sanctioned play. Want tournament-ready gear? Stick with approved options like the MX PRO 6-Pack or 3-Pack.