Indoor vs outdoor pickleballs
The differences between indoor and outdoor pickleballs: holes, weight, hardness and bounce, and which ball to use on which court.
The differences
| Outdoor ball | Indoor ball | |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | Usually around 40, smaller | Usually around 26, larger |
| Plastic | Harder, heavier | Softer, lighter |
| Speed | Faster, lower bounce | Slower, easier to control |
| Wind | Less affected | Blows around outdoors |
| Durability | Can crack, especially in cold weather | Lasts longer indoors, softens over time |
Which to use
Use outdoor balls on outdoor courts, especially concrete and asphalt. Use indoor balls on gym floors and indoor sport courts, where the softer ball grips the surface and bounces more consistently.
For sanctioned play, the ball must be on the USA Pickleball approved list, and tournaments name the ball in advance.
Common questions
- Can you use outdoor pickleballs indoors?
- You can, but they play fast and skid on smooth floors. Indoor balls give a truer bounce on gym surfaces.
- Why do pickleballs crack?
- Hard outdoor plastic becomes brittle in cold weather and after heavy use. Keep balls out of the cold when you can and expect to replace outdoor balls often.
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