Can you play padel with tennis balls?

A common question among beginner padel players is whether you can use tennis balls instead of padel balls. Perhaps you already have tennis balls at home or wonder if the difference really matters. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between tennis balls and padel balls, why it’s important to use the right type of ball, and how it affects your game.

What’s the difference between padel balls and tennis balls?

\While padel balls and tennis balls look very similar, there are some key differences:

1. Air pressure:
   Padel balls have lower pressure (around 0.6 atmospheres) compared to tennis balls. This makes them bounce less and better suited for the smaller court and glass walls of padel.
2. Size:
   Padel balls are slightly smaller than tennis balls, making them better balanced with padel rackets.
3. Weight:
   Padel balls are generally lighter, which makes the game more accessible and less physically demanding.
4. Bounce behavior:
   Tennis balls have a higher and more unpredictable bounce, which makes padel less controlled and tactical.

Can you technically play padel with tennis balls?

Yes, you can play padel with tennis balls, but it will significantly affect your game. Tennis balls bounce harder and faster, making rallies more difficult to control. Additionally, using tennis balls can lead to faster wear and tear on your padel racket and may even damage the glass walls due to the higher impact.

Why is it important to use the right ball?

1. Gameplay experience:
   Padel balls are specifically designed to match the pace and tactics of padel. Tennis balls can disrupt the balance between offense and defense.
2. Equipment and safety:
   Padel rackets aren’t designed to handle the hardness of tennis balls. Prolonged use of tennis balls can damage your racket.
3. Official rules:
   In tournaments and official matches, using approved padel balls is mandatory.

Frequently asked questions about this topic

1. Can I use tennis balls if I don’t have padel balls?
   In an emergency, you can use tennis balls to practice, but it’s strongly discouraged for regular play. Investing in padel balls will enhance your experience.
2. Are there tennis balls suitable for padel?
   No, tennis balls are fundamentally different from padel balls. Even "softer" tennis balls have more pressure than padel balls.
3. What happens if I use tennis balls on an official padel court?
   Using tennis balls can damage the glass walls due to the higher impact. Some clubs prohibit this to protect their facilities.

Conclusion

While you can technically play padel with tennis balls, it’s not recommended. Padel balls are specifically designed for the sport, providing better balance, less strain on your equipment, and a more enjoyable gameplay experience. Invest in a set of padel balls and feel the difference for yourself.