Pickleball balls
- Outdoor balls: heavier, hard, and resistant to wind and abrasive surfaces.
- Indoor balls: lighter and more flexible, with a more controlled bounce suitable for the smooth floors of gymnasiums.
The approved balls generally have between 26 and 40 holes, with 40 holes for outdoor balls (e.g., Franklin X-40) and 26 larger holes for indoor balls.
They are made of rigid plastic polymer (polyethylene), ensuring both robustness, consistent bounce, and longevity against repeated impacts.
On average, expect between 10 and 20 matches for outdoor competition balls. Indoor balls often last longer (20 to 30 matches), provided that repeated heavy impacts against walls or very hard floors are avoided.
| Type de balle | Nombre de trous | Taille des trous | Surface | Conditions idéales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor | 26 | Plus grands | Gymnase / parquet / PVC | Intérieur uniquement |
| Outdoor | 40 | Plus petits | Bitume, gazon synthétique | Extérieur, résiste au vent |
? Les balles indoor ont un rebond plus doux et sont plus légères ; les outdoor sont plus dures, plus stables au vent.
| Usage | Nombre de trous recommandé | Pourquoi ? |
|---|---|---|
| Intérieur | 26 | Trous plus larges = meilleure accroche en salle |
| Extérieur | 40 | Trous plus petits = trajectoire plus stable au vent |
| Polyvalent / loisir | 26 ou 40 selon terrain | À adapter selon surface et niveau |
? Le nombre de trous influence directement le vol, la résistance à l’air, et donc la jouabilité.