Padel Ball — Official Specification
Also known as: official padel ball, padel ball weight, padel ball diameter, padel ball specifications, how many balls in a padel match
A padel ball is a pressurised rubber ball that looks like a tennis ball. Under FIP rules it measures 6.35 to 6.77 cm across and weighs 56.0 to 59.4 g. A new one dropped from 2.54 m must bounce 135 to 145 cm. Official events use models approved by FIP.
The FIP rules describe it in a short section near the start. It is a rubber sphere with an even outer surface. It may be white, yellow or another colour that stands out clearly against the court.
Its size is 6.35 to 6.77 cm across, and its weight is 56.0 to 59.4 g. A new one must rebound between 135 and 145 cm when dropped from 2.54 m onto a hard surface. The rules also set a range for internal pressure. Above 1,000 m of altitude, a lower-bouncing version may be used.
Official competitions use models approved by FIP. Rule 17 says organisers must announce the brand and type in advance. They also say whether two or three are used and when they are changed.
It looks like a tennis ball, but it is built to its own specification. Tennis balls bounce differently, so use ones made for this sport.
Tips by skill level
Buy tubes labelled for this sport, and open a fresh one when the old set stops bouncing off the back glass.
Match your practice set to the one your league or tournament uses. Different models feel faster or slower off the glass.
Example
Before a club match, Tom opens a new tube. The players check the brand with the organiser, then warm up with two of them.
Why it matters
The right one gives the bounce the court and walls are built for. A flat or wrong one changes every rebound off the glass.
Common mistakes
- Playing with tennis balls because they look the same
- Using a tube that has gone flat, which makes rebounds off the glass die
- Opening a new tube at altitude without checking the type
- Leaving a tube in a hot car, which changes the bounce
Frequently asked questions
What is a padel ball?
It is a pressurised rubber sphere made for this sport. FIP rules set its size at 6.35 to 6.77 cm across, its weight at 56.0 to 59.4 g and its bounce at 135 to 145 cm from a 2.54 m drop.
What is a padel ball made of?
Rubber. The FIP rules describe it as a pressurised rubber sphere with an even outer surface, usually white or yellow.
How heavy is a padel ball?
Under FIP rules, 56.0 to 59.4 g, with a diameter of 6.35 to 6.77 cm.
How many balls are used in a padel match?
Two or three. The organiser announces the number, the brand and any change policy before the event.
Sources
Related terms
- Padel Ball Pressure and BounceUse padel balls, not tennis balls. They look alike, but a padel ball is pressurised lower and is slightly smaller, so it bounces lower and plays slower. FIP rules set its internal pressure at 4.6 to 5.2 kg per square inch, about 10 to 11.5 psi. A new tennis ball is about 14 psi. FIP rules also allow a lower-bounce ball for play more than 1,000 m above sea level.
- Padel Court DimensionsA padel court is 20 m long and 10 m wide inside the walls, with the net across the middle. The net is 0.88 m high in the centre and 0.92 m at the ends. The service lines sit 6.95 m from the net. At each end, a 3 m wall, usually glass, is topped with 1 m of metal mesh, making 4 m in total.
- Court EnclosureThe Court Enclosure is the full perimeter structure of a padel court — glass walls at the back and sides, metal fencing above and at certain sections — which defines the unique enclosed environment that makes wall play possible.
- Back GlassThe Back Glass is the tall transparent wall at each end of a padel court. This players use intentionally to extend rallies by letting shots rebound back into play.
- Playing Padel in Hot WeatherIn the heat, the padel ball bounces higher and plays faster. Choose control over power, keep your lobs deep and give balls off the back glass extra room. Drink at regular intervals, wear sun protection and play early or late in the day when you can. If you feel dizzy, unwell or unusually tired, stop and rest in the shade, and get medical help if you don't feel better soon.
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