Padel balls: how they differ from tennis balls and what they cost

"Padel balls vs tennis balls" is one of the most common padel searches. The difference is small on paper but obvious on court: a tennis ball flies off the glass too fast and bounces too high.

How are padel balls different from tennis balls?

The LTA's equipment guide says: "Padel balls are less pressurised and are slightly smaller than tennis balls." It also says a tennis ball's higher pressure "makes it bounce too much for the enclosed padel court".

Can you use tennis balls for padel?

The LTA's answer is a straight no: "No, you cannot use a tennis ball to play padel." For a social hit in a pinch, a tennis ball will technically go back and forth, but it will bounce higher off the floor and come off the glass faster than the game is designed for. Venues sell padel balls, and some include them with racket hire, so there is rarely a reason to try.

What are the official padel ball specifications?

The International Padel Federation (FIP) rules say a padel ball must be:

• a rubber ball with an even outer surface, white or yellow or another colour that contrasts with the court
• 6.35 to 6.77 cm in diameter
• 56.0 to 59.4 g in weight
• able to bounce between 135 and 145 cm when dropped onto a hard surface from 2.54 m
• pressurised to between 4.6 and 5.2 kg per 2.54 square centimetres

The rules also allow a different ball, with a lower bounce, for play more than 1,000 m above sea level. That does not affect anywhere in Australia's capital cities. Official competitions must use FIP-approved balls.

How much do padel balls cost in Australia?

Prices listed by Total Padel, an Australian online retailer, on 3 November 2026:

So a typical range is about $10 to $16 for a can of three. Prices at venues and other shops can differ.

Where can I buy padel balls?

• At the venue. Most clubs sell balls at the desk or from a vending machine. West Coast Padel in Perth, for example, sells balls from an on-site vending machine.
• Included with hire. Some venues include balls with racket hire. The Racquet Club venues in Sydney, Canberra and on the Gold Coast list $10 racket hire with balls included.
• Online and in store. See where to buy padel gear in Australia. People also search for padel balls at Rebel Sport and Decathlon, but I could not confirm current ball listings or prices on their sites when I checked.

How long do padel balls last?

Like tennis balls, padel balls lose pressure once the can is opened, and they wear with play. There is no fixed lifespan. For social games, most players open a new can when the balls feel flat or stop coming off the glass properly. In official competitions, the FIP rules let organisers set when balls are changed, such as after a set number of games or at the start of a set.

Which padel ball should I buy?

For social play, any ball from a major brand made for padel is fine. Some lines are labelled "speed" or "pro". If your club uses a particular ball for its competitions, it makes sense to practise with the same one. The FIP publishes a list of approved balls for official events.

What else do you need?

• A padel racket, or hire one.
• Court shoes. See padel shoes.
• Water and a towel, especially on outdoor courts in summer.