When buying a tennis ball, there are a variety of aspects to consider such as tennis ball type, age, and court surface. Selecting the correct tennis ball impacts every set. Typically, tennis balls are made with a rubber core and covered in felt made of wool or synthetic materials. Additionally, tennis balls are typically filled with compressed air and sold in pressurized cans. Though tennis balls have the same basic construction, not all tennis balls are the exact same.

EXTRA-DUTY TENNIS BALLS

Extra-duty tennis balls are designed for hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, and other outdoor, hard courts.

Because of their think felt, extra-duty tennis balls feel softer, fluffier, and more durable. This makes the tennis ball a little slower than regular duty, but these last longer on hard-surface courts.

Because these balls are pressurized, they will lose their bounce over time.

If using a regular-duty tennis ball on an outdoor, hard court, then the ball will be less durable and wear down faster.

REGULAR DUTY TENNIS BALLS

Regular-duty tennis balls are best for slower, softer courts such as clay and are constructed with less felt than an extra-duty tennis ball. These are appropriate for indoor courts, too.

Regular-duty tennis balls are less fluffy and move a little faster, which make them a good fit for softer surfaces, like clay.

Regular-duty tennis balls have thinner felt that lessens the amount of clay absorbed on impact. These tennis balls do not get heavy by collecting moisture from the clay. It’s woven tighter around the core of the tennis ball. This prevents the ball from puffing up and extending its life. If using an extra-duty ball on a clay court, the moisture from the clay will penetrate the felt and will slow down.

Regular-duty balls are pressurized and will lose their bounce over time.

High-altitude tennis balls are designed to be used at 4,000 ft. or more.

High-altitude places have significantly higher natural air pressure. Because of that, tennis balls will automatically travel much faster than if playing at sea-level. In some places, it becomes too difficult to play with pressurized tennis balls, and for that reason, pressureless tennis balls are a wiser choice for play.  To counteract the effects of high altitudes, these tennis balls are less pressurized, or are considered pressureless, in order to help bring a more normal ball bounce and experience.

PRESSURIZED VS. PRESSURELESS TENNIS BALLS

By standard, tennis balls are commonly pressurized. If the tennis balls come inside a package that “pop” because they are vacuum-sealed, they are considered “pressurized.” If they come packaged with in box or mesh, then they are pressureless most of the time.

Pressurized

These are the most common type of tennis balls to find, and they are the official balls of all major tennis tournaments. Made with internal air pressure to the balls, the pressure provides greater bounce, speed, and spin.

Pressureless

These do not have compressed air inside of them, and they do not bounce nearly as high as pressurized balls. That means they are considered “slower” balls in tennis play. Pressureless tennis balls are often used for beginners, practice, or recreational play and are not typically used in competitions.

TENNIS BALL BY LEVELS
 

Tennis balls are available in different levels: premium (professional), championship, or entry-level. Professional balls typically give the player a better feel and are more in price. Professional balls are used during professional tournaments.

More affordable and durable, championship tennis balls are commonly found in stores. These balls are still great in quality, and they are the perfect choice if looking for tennis balls to use for practice or even club matches.

Entry-level tennis balls are made for learning. These feel and play the same compared to a traditional ball, but they are better for your arm.