Everything you need to know about the types of padel balls

You’ve covered it all: the history of padel and its rules, how to choose the best racket, how to find a padel club, and perhaps you’ve even started specific training to fine-tune your physical preparation for padel. But there’s still one detail you mustn’t forget! 

Often somewhat overlooked, understanding the types of padel balls that exist in order to choose the best balls for your game is a key step.

Characteristics of FFT-approved padel balls

Before diving into how to choose the perfect padel ball, you first need to understand the characteristics of padel balls approved by the FFT. These standards ensure that all balls used in competition meet specific criteria to maintain fair play and quality. They also distinguish them from tennis balls, with which they are often confused! Here are the main characteristics:

Weight

A padel ball approved by the FFT must weigh between 56 and 59.4 grams. This weight range is designed to provide the perfect balance between the lightness needed for fast play and the stability required for controlled rallies.

The diameter

The diameter of an approved padel ball is between 6.35 and 6.77 cm. This size allows padel balls to maintain dimensions suited to this dynamic sport while offering excellent control.

The pressure

The internal pressure of an approved padel ball must be between 4.6 and 5.2 kg per 2.54 cm². This moderate pressure delivers the right bounce and contributes to the quality of play.

Pressurised balls tend to have a livelier bounce, which can be an advantage for powerful serves in particular: they bounce quickly and can catch your opponent off guard. Pressureless balls bounce more slowly, which may suit you better if you prefer a more accurate padel serve with less power.

The bounce

When a padel ball is dropped onto a hard surface from a height of 254 cm, it should bounce between 135 and 147 cm. This controlled bounce promotes fluid rallies and accurate returns.

How to choose the right padel ball for your level

Now that you understand the characteristics of padel balls, it's time to choose the ball that best matches your playing level and specific needs based on its features. Here is some advice to guide your choice:

Beginner players

If you’re new to padel, choose pressureless balls. They offer greater control and a slightly slower game, making it easier to learn and enjoy playing.

Padel balls for beginners feature a soft or standard felt, promoting better control and easy handling. They are designed to withstand the increased wear caused by off-centre hits. These balls are affordable, ideal for novice players looking to improve while keeping to their budget.

Intermediate and expert players

If you’ve gained experience and are an advanced or expert player, opt for pressurised balls. They offer greater speed and optimal bounce, allow you to generate more spin, and can help improve your padel net-play techniques, such as the smash.

Padel balls for advanced players feature a rougher felt, providing superior grip to generate more spin and control. They are valued for their consistent performance and ability to deliver precision shots.

Playing frequency

Your choice of padel ball depends not only on your playing level, but also on how often you play. Even as a beginner, if you play regularly, you might opt for pressurised balls for a more dynamic game.

Weather conditions and court surface

Weather conditions and the type of surface on the padel court can also influence your choice of ball. At altitude, where the air pressure is lower, slower balls are preferred. On courts with a thick surface, faster balls are favoured to keep the game exciting.

The different padel ball brands

The final step in your search is to explore the different brands of padel balls on the market. Each brand offers ball models that provide a unique feel when struck. Popular brands include Head and Bullpadel, but feel free to explore the others to find your favourites!

Head padel balls: versatility

Head, the Austrian brand well known for its tennis and padel rackets, offers a variety of padel balls tailored to different playing levels and styles. 

Head Padel balls are ideal for beginners, offering excellent control at an affordable price thanks to their low-pressure build and soft feel, making them perfect for avoiding beginner mistakes. 

Next, Head Padel Pro balls are used by professionals and approved by the International Padel Federation, offering superior control thanks to their reinforced core and premium felt. 

Finally, Head Padel Pro S balls are designed for powerful players. Their next-generation core provides greater speed, making them ideal for smashes and other par 3 shots. 

Bullpadel padel balls

Bullpadel, a Spanish brand specialising in padel, offers a wide range of balls to suit different playing styles. Certified by the International Padel Federation (FIP), they are used in sanctioned tournaments. 

Comfortable balls such as the Next suit beginners and promote control. Durable balls such as the Next Pro and Master, with their high-pressure rubber cores, offer excellent durability, while others, such as the Race, help you play faster shots. Powerful balls such as the Premium Pro and Gold are designed for explosive shots, including your best smashes and par 3 shots.

Bullpadel has also developed a very useful accessory: the Pascal Box. It is a padel ball pressuriser system developed by the brand Bullpadel. It keeps the optimal pressure inside the padel balls, helping extend their lifespan and ensure consistent performance during every padel match.

This helps prevent balls from becoming soft over time, which can affect the quality of play. Read this article to discover more padel accessories to improve your game.

Other padel ball brands

Besides Head and Bullpadel padel balls, other well-known brands on the padel ball market include Babolat, Adidas, Nox and Wilson, among others. Each brand offers a range of padel balls suited to different playing levels, sometimes with distinctive characteristics. Visit our online shop and explore all the brands to discover them in detail!