If you're new to pickleball, one of the first questions you might ask is, what does a pickleball look like? The pickleballs appearance is one of the most distinctive aspects of the sport. Let’s break down the pickleballs design, shape, texture, and other important features to give you a better idea of what makes this ball so unique.

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Pickleballs Shape and Size

The most obvious feature of a pickleball is its shape. It is round, like most balls, but it’s design sets it apart. Pickleballs typically measure between 2.87 and 2.97 inches in diameter, making them slightly smaller than a tennis ball but still large enough to handle comfortably. The pickleball ball sizes are standardized for most play, whether you're on an indoor or outdoor court.

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Pickleballs Material and Texture

When you look at a pickleball up close, you'll notice it’s made of a durable plastic material. Unlike a traditional tennis ball that’s covered in felt, the pickleballs material is hollow and solid plastic, with holes strategically placed around the surface. This perforation affects its texture, creating a smooth yet slightly dimpled surface. The texture is crucial because it helps the ball glide smoothly through the air and bounce predictably on the court. The holes in the design also reduce the ball’s bounce compared to other sports balls, creating a more controlled game.

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Pickleballs Colors

As for the pickleballs’ colors, they are often quite bright and vibrant. Most commonly, outdoor pickleballs are yellow, making them easy to see under the sun. However, you can also find pickleballs in other bold colors, such as orange, green, pink or even white. These pickleball colors are designed to enhance visibility, which is essential for fast-paced games.

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Pickleballs Features

What truly sets the pickleball design apart is its combination of features that make it perfect for the game. Pickleballs features include the hole pattern—typically 26-40 holes depending on whether the ball is designed for indoor or outdoor use. The outdoor balls usually have more holes to help reduce wind interference, while indoor balls tend to have fewer holes, resulting in a slightly different flight and bounce.

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Pickleball Ball Sizes for Different Environments

There’s a subtle difference in pickleball ball sizes depending on the type of court you're playing on. Indoor pickleballs are generally lighter and have fewer holes, making them better suited for the calmer environment of indoor courts. Outdoor pickleballs, on the other hand, are heavier and have more holes to better resist wind. The slight differences in pickleball ball sizes ensure that the game plays fairly no matter the conditions.