The Best Tennis Balls

Buying Guide

Tennis balls might seem fairly straightforward, but they can vary widely from one to another. You’ll first need to consider whether you’re playing on hard tennis courts, your level of experience and the altitude where you’ll be playing. The wrong balls can not only influence your game, but they can wear out more quickly, forcing you to replace them every few uses.

If you’re entering competitions, you’ll need to look at regulations specific to those competitions. This can help you ensure you’re practicing with a ball that fits the dimensions and weight set out by your upcoming game. Otherwise, you might find your game is off when it matters most.

The International Tennis Federation sets out specific guidelines for the balls used in its competition. Each ball is carefully tested before put in use. Balls must weigh between 0.882 and 1.817 ounces, with a rebound between 33 and 53 inches, varying by competition stage. Look at the type of competition you’ll be playing and track down a ball that meets standards.

But even if you don’t plan to compete, you’ll want a ball that suits your level of experience. The most common ball types are pressurized, which gives them a higher bounce. If you’re new to the game or buying for youth players just starting out, track down a pressureless ball, which has less of a bounce. This makes it slower and easier to chase around the court.

The surface on which you’ll be playing is also a factor. There are three types of tennis courts: grass, clay and hard. If you’re playing on grass, artificial or real, or clay, you can go for any type of tennis ball. However, hard tennis courts, made of asphalt or concrete, call for extra-duty tennis balls. While regular tennis balls feature mostly wool with a little nylon thrown in, extra-duty tennis balls feature a mostly nylon covering with a little wool tossed in. Keep in mind that extra-duty tennis balls move slower than other types, so more experienced players will only want to use those when playing on a hard court.

• Tennis balls are sold in a variety of set sizes. You’ll get some sets that include only a few balls and others that provide eight balls or more. If you’re just starting out, you might want to start small and determine the type of tennis ball you prefer before investing in a larger set.
• You’ll need a way to get your tennis equipment from your home to the court. If your tennis balls don’t come with a carrying bag, you may want to purchase one. In most cases, though, you can slide them into your gym bag.
• Pay attention to the materials used to make the ball you choose. Quality rubber and felt can make a big difference in a tennis ball’s efficiency and durability.
• If you’re preparing for a competition or even an important game with a partner who’s extra-competitive, consider practicing with softer balls until you reach the final practices before competition. This will help you prepare without injuring yourself. For extra practice, check The Best Tennis Ball Machines To Perfect Your Backhand.
• Those who only occasionally play might want to go with a more durable option to reduce the chances you’ll have to go shopping for new tennis balls. However, you might find that you can focus less on durability when you play infrequently. This will let you choose the ball that best complements your play style.
• Altitude can impact your gameplay. If you live in a higher-altitude area, look for pressureless balls that can slow the ball down a little.
• The materials in tennis balls can absorb moisture, which means if you live in a humid area or you regularly play in humid weather conditions, look for lighter-weight balls to compensate for the extra weight.