Pickleball Outdoor Balls, Indoor Balls and USAPA Amended Rules

This post lists rule changes from prior years. To view the current year (2026) rule changes, please click here.

From a weather perspective, it’s been a strange last couple of months. One weekend plummeting temperatures are forcing pickleball play indoors – and the next weekend rising temperatures are giving pickleball players everywhere the opportunity to play outside for that “one final time” before the snow falls. Rotating between indoor and outdoor play, however, can take a bit to get used to – wind vs. no wind, one set of lines vs. multiple sets of lines, sun vs. no sun, and a host of other variables that are either non-existent or exacerbated when playing either indoors or outdoors.

The actual pickleball ball – a hollow, plastic ball with holes – is a significant variable as well. As you may know, balls are categorized as either indoor or outdoor. Playing with the “wrong” ball may yield “interesting” results.

Outdoor Balls

The “outdoor” ball – because it is slightly heavier (about an ounce heavier), harder, and has smaller holes – travels significantly faster than the indoor ball. Unfortunately, it also bounces a little lower and is a little more difficult to control. To enhance the durability of the ball, outdoor pickleballs have thick wall construction.

Indoor Balls

Indoor balls are lighter, softer and have larger holes than outdoor balls. Because of these characteristics, indoor balls come off the paddle a little “softer,” are easier to control, and typically result in longer rallies. On the other hand, it is more difficult to hit the ball with the velocity required to put away that “easy” volley.

USAPA Amended Rules for Balls (and Paddles)

Here is a listing of all current (as of 2019) USAPA/IFP Approved Tournament balls. Because of the proliferation of new balls (and paddles) on the market, the USAPA frequently amends its rules in an effort to “maintain the traditional nature (finesse versus speed) of the sport.” The rules address the specification changes of the balls in the areas of ball construction, size, weight, bounce, hardness, and design.

Who would have thought – 50 years ago – that there would be so many variables in the game as it relates to the plastic pickleball? I guess that’s what it means to be one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

Please let me know what your favorite indoor and outdoor ball is.

For more information on pickleballs as of 2019 — and a robust buying guide for balls, please click here.

See you on the courts!