Are Padel Balls the Same as Tennis Balls?
Short answer: no, and if you've ever tried swapping them mid-match, you’ll know why!
At first glance, padel balls and tennis balls might look like long-lost twins. They're both fuzzy, neon yellow, and bounce around a court. But under the surface, these two are built for different sports, and those differences really matter.
Padel Balls vs Tennis Balls: The Real Differences
On the surface, padel balls and tennis balls might seem nearly identical but when you start looking at how they’re built and how they behave on court, the differences become crystal clear. From pressure and bounce to how they feel in play, it’s a case of same weight, completely different game. Here’s the three main differences:
Size: Padel Balls Are Slightly Smaller
Tennis ball diameter: 6.54–6.86cm
Padel ball diameter: 6.35–6.77cm
That might seem like a tiny difference, but on court, it adds up. Padel balls are made slightly smaller to suit the enclosed court and the faster reactions needed for rebounds off glass walls.
Pressure: Tennis Balls Are Bouncier
Tennis ball pressure: ~14 psi (brand new)
Padel ball pressure: ~11 psi (brand new)
This is the biggest difference and the one you’ll feel instantly. Tennis balls have more internal pressure, which gives them a higher bounce and longer travel. Padel balls, with less pressure, stay lower and are easier to control in the tight confines of a padel court.
Weight: Surprisingly… Identical
Both tennis and padel balls weigh: 56.0 to 59.4 grams
So yes they’re equal on the scales, but don’t let that fool you. The feel, bounce, and gameplay are totally different.
Why the difference between padel and tennis balls matter
If you try to play padel with a tennis ball, it’ll feel like trying to play squash with a basketball. It just doesn’t work.
Tennis balls bounce too high and move too fast for the smaller padel court, making rallies chaotic and unpredictable. On the flip side, using a padel ball on a tennis court will make your shots fall short and rob the game of its rhythm.
Each ball is designed specifically for its sport’s pace, surface, and court size. So while the weight might be the same, the feel absolutely isn’t.
Padel Balls vs Tennis Balls: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Padel Ball | Tennis Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 6.35–6.77 cm | 6.54–6.86 cm |
| Pressure | ~11 psi | ~14 psi |
| Weight | 56.0–59.4 grams | 56.0–59.4 grams |
| Bounce Height | Lower and more controlled | Higher and more powerful |
| Best Use | Padel courts with glass walls | Full-size tennis courts |
So, Can You Use Tennis Balls for Padel?
Technically? You can. Should you? Absolutely not, terrible idea, especially if you value your rallies, rallies, and wrist joints.
If you're playing socially and don't have padel balls handy, a well-used tennis ball might do in a pinch (after it's lost some pressure). But for proper games and definitely for competitions, always stick to official padel balls.
Final Serve: The Verdict
So no, padel balls aren’t the same as tennis balls even if they’re close cousins. The pressure difference alone changes everything from bounce to control. If you’re serious about enjoying the game, invest in the right ball for the right court. Your gameplay (and your doubles partner) will thank you.
Want to know more about padel? Read our beginners guide to padel.
