🎾 What’s the Difference Between Padel and Tennis Balls?
If you’re stepping into the exciting world of padel, you might ask:
“Can I just use a tennis ball?”
It’s a common question and while tennis balls and padel balls may look similar, they’re not the same.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between the two and help you understand why it matters, especially if you’re playing in one of our GameDay Events padel tournaments or game nights.
🧠 Why Choosing the Right Ball Matters
The ball you use impacts:
Bounce & speed
Control & precision
Gameplay flow
Player safety
Court wear and tear
Using the wrong ball can throw off your entire game — and make things a lot less fun.
⚖️ 1. Pressure: The Core Difference
The main technical difference is internal pressure.
Tennis Balls are pressurised to around 14 psi, making them bounce higher and travel faster.
Padel Balls have slightly lower pressure (around 11 psi), which gives them a softer bounce and slower pace.
🎯 Why it matters:
Padel is played in smaller courts, often with walls. Lower pressure ensures more control, precision, and less chaotic rebounds.
📏 2. Size & Weight: Almost Identical, But Not Quite
Tennis Ball Size: 6.54–6.86 cm
Padel Ball Size: 6.35–6.77 cm
Weight: Nearly the same, though padel balls can feel a touch lighter due to lower pressure.
Even a small difference can change how the game feels, especially during fast rallies or wall rebounds.
🔄 3. Bounce Height
When dropped from a height of 2.54 meters:
Tennis Balls bounce between 135–147 cm
Padel Balls bounce between 135–145 cm
But with less internal pressure, padel balls feel more controlled in motion, key for the tactical nature of padel.
🧵 4. Felt & Texture
Both balls have a felt covering, but padel balls are slightly softer to complement the game’s slower rhythm. They’re built to react predictably off walls and give players better shot control.
🏓 5. Can You Use Tennis Balls for Padel?
Technically, yes.
But should you? Absolutely not.
Using a tennis ball on a padel court:
Makes the game too fast
Alters bounce angles
Increases the risk of injury
Damages court surface over time
That’s why official padel balls are a must, especially at GameDay Events, where we ensure pro-level equipment for all games and tournaments.
📍 GameDay Events: Where You Play It Right
At GameDay Events, we host exciting padel experiences — from friendly match nights to high-energy tournaments for corporates and communities.
We handle everything: courts, gear, official balls, and the vibe.
So whether you’re trying padel for the first time or fine-tuning your game, we make sure the right ball is always in play.
🎯 Want to experience the difference? Join our next padel event.
