Size matters. So does pressure. Padel balls and tennis balls look identical in the can, but put a tennis ball on a padel court and you'll notice within a few points.
It's one of the most common questions new padel players ask, usually while holding a can of tennis balls they found in the garage. Here's what's actually different between padel balls and tennis balls, why it matters for your game, and how to tell when either kind has died on you.
The quick comparison
| Padel ball | Tennis ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Internal pressure (new) | Around 11 psi | Around 14 psi |
| Diameter | 6.35cm to 6.77cm | 6.54cm to 6.86cm |
| Weight | 56.0g to 59.4g | 56.0g to 59.4g |
| Bounce | Lower and slower | Higher and livelier |
| Designed for | A 20m x 10m court with glass walls | A much bigger open court |
| Governing body | International Padel Federation (FIP) | International Tennis Federation (ITF) |
Pressure is the big one
A new padel ball carries less pressure inside than a new tennis ball, roughly 11 psi compared to about 14 psi. That lower pressure gives a lower, slower bounce, which is exactly what you want in a small court surrounded by glass.
Think about what happens on a padel court. The ball bounces on the ground, then often comes off the back or side glass, then gets played. If the ball were as lively as a tennis ball, it would rocket off the walls, sit up far too high and turn every rally into a guessing game. The lower pressure keeps the ball playable after it hits the glass.
Use a tennis ball and everything gets jumpy. It flies off the back glass, sits up too high off the walls and makes the game harder to control. Smashes go out of the court more easily too, which sounds fun until you're the one chasing it down the street.
Size: a touch smaller
Padel balls can be slightly smaller in diameter than tennis balls. The allowed padel range starts a little lower, and part of that difference comes from the lower internal pressure. Weight is the same range for both.
You won't see the difference sitting side by side on a bench. You'll feel it on the first ball off the glass.
Felt and feel
Both use a hollow rubber core wrapped in felt, usually a blend of wool and nylon. Different brands use different felt blends and core formulas, which is why two balls with near-identical specs can feel quite different off the racket.
- Fast or "Pro" padel balls tend to have slightly higher pressure and a harder feel. They reward big hitters and make smashes out of the court more reachable.
- Control padel balls feel softer and slower, which suits longer rallies and players still learning the walls.
- Felt quality affects spin and durability. Cheap felt fluffs up and goes bald quickly, which kills grip on the racket face.
That's half the fun of trying a few. We made a mixed pack for exactly that reason.
What does FIP approval mean?
The International Padel Federation sets the specifications that official competition balls must meet, covering size, weight, rebound and pressure. Balls that pass are homologated, which means they're legal for official tournaments and leagues. For a social game it's not essential, but it's a good sign the ball is consistent from can to can.
The tennis equivalent is ITF approval. An ITF-approved tennis ball is a great tennis ball. It's still not a padel ball.
Can you use tennis balls for padel?
You can. You shouldn't. A tennis ball will bounce too high off the glass and play noticeably faster. For a casual hit with the kids, sure. For anything resembling a real game, use padel balls.
Old, softened tennis balls get closer to padel ball pressure as they die, which is why some people swear "old tennis balls work fine". They don't really. They're just dead tennis balls, with all the inconsistency that comes with that.
And the reverse? Padel balls on a tennis court feel flat and slow, and they'll barely clear a high-bouncing kick serve. Leave them in the padel bag.
The bit nobody tells you: both go dead
Padel and tennis balls are pressurised and sealed in pressurised cans. The second you crack that seal, the gas inside starts slowly escaping through the rubber. There's no moment where the ball "goes flat". It just gets a little bit worse every session, and your game quietly gets worse with it.
For most social players, a can of padel balls is at its best for a couple of sessions. After that you're playing a slower, sadder version of the game you paid court hire for. Heat speeds it up too, which in Australia is most of the year. Full rundown in how long do padel balls last.
How to tell if your padel balls are dead
- The squeeze test. A fresh ball pushes back. A dead one gives in easily between your thumb and fingers.
- The drop test. Drop it next to a new ball from the same height. If it bounces noticeably lower, it's done.
- The sound. Dead balls sound dull off the racket. Fresh ones have a clean, sharp pop.
- The felt. Bald patches mean less grip and less spin.
- The glass test. If the ball dies off the back wall instead of coming out to you, it's flat.
How to store padel balls
- Keep unopened cans somewhere cool and out of direct sun
- Only open a can when you're about to play
- Never leave balls in a hot car
- A ball pressuriser can help between sessions, but it won't keep balls fresh for months
Padel balls vs tennis balls FAQs
Are padel balls the same as tennis balls?
No. They look the same, but padel balls have lower internal pressure and can be slightly smaller, so they bounce lower and play slower.
Why are padel balls lower pressure?
Because padel is played in a small court with glass walls. Lower pressure keeps the ball under control after it comes off the walls.
Can I play padel with tennis balls?
You can for a very casual hit, but the ball will bounce too high and fast off the glass. Use padel balls for a proper game.
How many padel balls come in a can?
Usually three.
Do padel balls go flat like tennis balls?
Yes. Both lose pressure once the can is opened, and heat speeds it up.
New to the game? Start with padel rules for complete beginners, or see how padel compares in our padel vs pickleball guide.
Fresh padel balls, on repeat
We stock padel balls from Siux, HEAD and Adidas, delivered on a schedule you choose. Fortnightly if you play four times a week. Every few months if you're more of a Sunday hitter. Not sure which to pick? Here's our guide to the best padel balls in Australia.