Whether looking for a fun way to stay active or a competitive sport, pickleball is becoming America’s favorite pastime. But if you’re here wondering how big is a pickleball? Here’s the short answer:
The outdoor pickleball has a diameter of 2.87 inches and 2.97 inches, and weight of .9 oz. The outdoor ball is made of hard plastic, with 40 holes drilled.
The indoor balls have 26 holes drilled into them and are slightly smaller than their outdoor friends. However, indoor balls are a bit lighter, weighing in around .8 oz.
We will go into further detail about indoor vs outdoor pickleball and answer some critical questions below. Let’s go!
Why Is It Called Pickleball?
The game of pickleball was invented in the 1960s by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – looking for a fun activity to play with their families. They originally named the game “paddle tennis” but quickly changed it to “pickleball” after discovering that there was already another game with that name.
We have a full post: The History of Pickleball
Indoor Pickleball vs Outdoor Pickleballs. Are They The Same?
No, they are not. The outdoor pickleball is made of a more rigid plastic than the indoor one and has a more textured surface to help it grip and have less drag when traveling through the air.
Indoor Pickleball
While both are made for their environments, indoor pickleball is made with softer plastic. This makes them quieter indoors, easier to control, and much more difficult to hit hard. The 26 drilled holes are larger than their outdoor counterparts. Indoor balls are great for longer rallies and typically last much longer because of the softer plastic. Some of the most popular brands are JUGS and ONIX FUSE.
Outdoor Pickleball
Heavier, smoother, and built with a more rigid plastic than the indoor pickleball. They boast 40 drilled hols and come off the paddle at a quicker pace, making them a little harder to control. Outdoor balls are great for power shots, with rallies typically being shorter. Unlike indoor balls, they do crack or lose their round shape easier. It’s hard to give an outdoor ball a lifespan because playing conditions vary.
We have a complete breakdown: Indoor Vs. Outdoor Pickleballs.
Bulk Pickleballs - Where To Get Them
Are you looking to step up your pickleball game? Of course, you are. Bulk pickleballs can be a great way to practice your serve, and backhand, or learn to put topspin on the ball. There are a variety of options to work on your drills. DURA, ONIX, and Franklin are the most popular outdoor brands.
I like the Franklin Sports Outdoor x 40, they are USAPA-approved and the official ball of the US Open Pickleball Championship.
Are Franklin Pickleballs Recyclable?
Unfortunately, pickleballs aren’t recyclable; I see things heading in that direction in the next few years. TerraCycle has done some pilot programs around the country, but they seem to be few and far between. If you look on Pinterest or other social media there are some creative ways to reuse them. Pickleball Christmas tree ornaments anyone?
How Long Do Pickleballs Last?
As we discussed above, indoor balls don’t usually crack, so they last longer than outdoor balls. The lifecycle all depends on how much you play and the conditions of the game.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, we’ve broken down some questions you might have had about indoor vs outdoor pickleball size and weight. We have a great post about pickleball court dimensions if you are still hungry to learn. Let us know in the comments how you reuse your pickleball.
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