Padel balls: how to check them and when to change a set
One ball bounces nicely and the next barely comes up. It is hard to find a rhythm like that. A consistent set makes even the warm-up more enjoyable, without needing a fresh can for every casual match.
Take this onto court
Check the whole set before playing. If the balls bounce very differently, look damaged or feel unusually soft, use another set. The number of matches alone is a poor guide to their condition.
- 56.0–59.4 g
- weight in the FIP rules
- 6.35–6.77 cm
- diameter in the FIP rules
- 135–145 cm
- standard rebound from 2.54 m in the FIP test
Similar to tennis balls, made for padel
Padel balls look like tennis balls but must meet padel specifications. In competition, use the approved model required by the event. For a social game, choose a padel ball whose pace suits the court and your group.
Faster does not automatically mean better. A manageable ball can help beginners enjoy longer rallies. Ask the venue for guidance if the conditions are new to you.
Pressure and felt both change
Pressurised balls can lose pressure after opening, while play wears the felt and surface. That makes a fixed lifespan in playing hours unreliable.
Compare the balls from the same height on the same dry surface. Obvious differences in bounce and visible damage are useful clues. This is a practical comparison, not an official FIP test.
Store dry and check the condition
Keep unopened balls in their original packaging and follow the manufacturer’s storage advice. Let damp used balls dry before putting them away. Prolonged heat and direct sunlight are poor storage conditions.
Closing an ordinary ball tube does not restore lost pressure. Follow the instructions for any pressure-storage device; it cannot make worn felt or damaged balls new again.
Keep a ball change fair
Agree on a consistent set before the match. Avoid mixing balls with noticeably different age or speed. In a tournament, follow the specified model and ball-change schedule.
Keep still-usable older sets separately for gentle practice. Mark them so a tired training ball does not accidentally find its way into the next match set.
Try it on court
Ready for your next rally? Find a club in Austria and take one idea from this guide onto the court.
About these tips and sources
This guide draws on the sources linked below. The relevant federation’s rulebook is the authority for official rules.
The date below records the latest editorial review. Figures and offers retain the dates stated alongside them.
View the sources usedSpecifications and ball selection
Dimensions and rebound figures come from the 2026 FIP rules. Manufacturer sources explain models and materials. Our replacement advice is based on condition, not a promised lifespan.
Editorially reviewed on 14 October 2026