At first glance, there are many similarities between a tennis ball and a paddle ball.. This is why, especially when we start playing, we can come to think that it is the same to play with one or the other. However, this is a mistake that we should not make, since in practice Their performance is really different.
Each ball is designed for the specific practice of padel or tennis, taking into account elements such as the surface, speed or bounce. Thus, there are important differences between the two, such as the case of size, weight, pressure or bounce it generates.
The main differences between a padel ball and a tennis ball
Although there are different types of balls, the main difference between them is in their size. According to the rules, tennis balls must have a diameter between 6.35 and 6.67 centimeters. On the other hand, The padel ones can be a little bigger, between 6’35 and 6’87cmreaching up to a millimeter larger.
Another of the main differences is in their weight. The tennis ball weighs between 56.7 and 58.5 grams, while the padel ball weighs between 56 and 59.5 grams.Therefore, depending on taste and the conditions of the court, we can choose one model or another, with the possibility of a more or less heavy ball.
A third element that influences its performance is pressure. A brand new tennis ball is subjected to a compression of 8.165 kg for every 2.54 square centimeters. On the other hand, The padel ball’s weight is much smaller, between 4.6 and 5.2 kg. for every 2.54 cm2.
So, In the case of paddle tennis, the bounce is usually lower.causing the game to also be somewhat slower.
Just because the pot is smaller doesn’t mean the same thing will happen with The rebound, the last aspect of disparity between both pellets.
Dropped from a certain height of 2.54 meters, the tennis ball must have a controlled bounce of between 135 and 145 centimeters, while The padel one is between 135 and 147 cm.
The HEAD Pro S, official ball of the Portuguese Padel Federation (FPP)
HEAD Padel
However, beyond these main characteristics, the performance of a padel ball is also conditioned by external factors such as temperature, humidity, altitude or wind.
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