Pickleballs - Indoors, Outdoors, Hard and Soft

Pickleballs come in two main versions - indoor and outdoor. Don't mix them up!

Indoor pickleballs are lighter, made of softer plastic, and have fewer, larger holes, which makes them slower, quieter, and easier to control on smooth indoor courts. Outdoor pickleballs are heavier, harder, and have more, smaller holes, so they travel faster, cope better with wind and hard surfaces, but crack sooner, especially in the cold.

Indoor balls

  • Typically 26 larger holes, softer plastic, and slightly lighter weight.
  • Give more control, a slower pace, quieter impact, and suit wooden or gym-style courts.
  • Better for beginners or more “touchy/placement” play, but wear quickly if used outside on rough courts.

Outdoor balls

  • Usually 40 smaller holes, harder, smoother plastic, and a bit more weight.
  • Designed for concrete/asphalt, wind, and sun: faster bounce, more aggressive pace, louder “pop,” and shorter rallies.
  • More durable against rough surfaces but prone to cracking or going out-of-round over time, especially in colder weather.