You might have wondered what makes an indoor pickleball different from an outdoor one. This blog post is here to provide some answers!
First, it is important to know that all pickleballs, whether they are designated as being “indoor” or “outdoor” pickleballs, must follow certain guidelines set out by USA Pickleball.
To be approved by USA Pickleball, pickleballs must meet the following parameters:
- Must be 2.87 - 2.97 inches in diameter
- Must weigh 0.78 - 0.935 ounces
- Must bounce 30 - 34 inches when dropped from a height of 78 inches
- Must have a minimum of 26 and a maximum of 40 holes
- Must have a uniform color and an untextured surface
While staying within the parameters mentioned above for legal balls, pickleball equipment companies have nonetheless implemented several noticeable and consistent differences in the design of balls that are used for indoor versus outdoor play. Some key differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs include:
Number of Holes
Outdoor pickleballs usually have more holes, usually closer to the maximum of 40, while indoor balls tend to have fewer, usually between 26 and 30. Having more holes enables outdoor balls to adjust better to the wind, allowing for a more stable and accurate flight path. The additional holes provide outdoor pickleballs with a straighter trajectory, reducing the impact of wind gusts and crosswinds on your game.
Size of Holes
Indoor pickleballs have larger, wider holes compared to outdoor balls. This difference in hole size influences the feel of the ball, making indoor balls feel softer, slower, and easier to control than outdoor balls.
Weight
Indoor balls not only have larger holes but also tend to be made of softer plastic, which makes them lighter than their outdoor counterparts. The lightweight nature of indoor balls means that they tend to play slower, allowing players to execute more finessed, controlled shots.
Conversely, outdoor balls tend to be designed with harder, thicker plastic to withstand harsh, external weather conditions, such as wind and temperature fluctuations. The added weight of outdoor balls provides stability in windy conditions and also allows players to develop a faster, power game.
Hardness
Hardness is an important factor which influences the speed, bounce, and durability of pickleballs.
Outdoor pickleballs are typically thicker and harder than indoor balls, contributing to their faster play. Indoor balls, which are thinner, tend to bounce more because there is less weight keeping the ball down. While a bouncy ball is fine for indoor play, when outside, a bouncier ball will be more affected by weather.
Additionally, the harder materials of outdoor balls enables them to withstand the rigors of outdoor play, where rougher surfaces and unpredictable weather conditions are common. However, this added hardness can also make outdoor pickleballs more susceptible to cracking, as they possess fewer elastic properties compared to their indoor counterparts.
Indoor balls, with their softer construction, are less likely to crack but may not fare well if subjected to outdoor elements.
Conclusion
While you can use an indoor ball outdoors and vice versa, it's not advisable if you want to maximize your performance and enjoyment of the game. Instead, you should select a pickleball that is specifically designed for the type of play in which you plan to engage.
For indoor play, choose a pickleball with fewer, wider holes, lighter weight, and softer construction. These features will better enable you to execute precise shots and control the game with finesse.
Conversely, outdoor pickleballs, with their higher hole count, smaller holes, increased hardness, and heavier weight, are better able to handle the challenges of outdoor environments, such as wind and rough surfaces.
One thing to note, however, is that for the best experience, if you are going to be playing indoors on a tennis or pickleball hardcourt surface, then you should plan to play with an outdoor pickleball (since you are essentially playing on an outdoor surface indoors).
Happy pickling!
