Pickleball is a fun sport played by many people. It uses a special ball called a pickleball. But what does a pickleball look like? In this article, we will describe the pickleball in simple words. You will learn about its size, color, texture, and more.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a small court with a low net. Players use paddles to hit a plastic ball over the net.
The ball used in pickleball is different from tennis or ping pong balls. It is made of plastic and has holes.
Shape and Size of a Pickleball
A pickleball is round, just like a tennis ball or a ping pong ball.
It is about 2.87 inches (7.3 cm) wide. This size is smaller than a tennis ball but bigger than a ping pong ball.
The weight of a pickleball is about 0.9 ounces (25 grams). This makes it light and easy to hit.
Material of a Pickleball
Pickleballs are made from hard plastic. The plastic is strong but not very heavy.
This plastic has many small holes. These holes help the ball move through the air more smoothly.
The holes make the ball look like a “whiffle ball”.
Credit: pickleballsuperstore.com
Color of a Pickleball
Pickleballs come in bright colors. The most common colors are yellow, green, and orange.
Bright colors help players see the ball clearly during the game.
Some balls have two colors, like a yellow ball with orange dots.
Texture of a Pickleball
The surface of a pickleball is smooth but has small dimples or bumps.
These dimples help the ball fly in the air in a steady way.
You can feel the tiny bumps when you hold the ball in your hand.
Why Does a Pickleball Have Holes?
The holes in the ball are very important. They let air pass through the ball.
This makes the ball slower than a tennis ball. It also helps players control the ball better.
Without holes, the ball would be too fast and hard to hit.
Types of Pickleballs
There are two main types of pickleballs:
- Indoor pickleballs: These have larger holes and are softer.
- Outdoor pickleballs: These have smaller holes and are harder.
Indoor balls move slower and bounce less.
Outdoor balls are made to handle wind and rough surfaces.
How to Recognize a Pickleball
If you want to find a pickleball, look for these features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | About 2.87 inches (7.3 cm) in diameter |
| Shape | Round with many small holes |
| Color | Bright colors like yellow, green, or orange |
| Material | Hard plastic with small dimples |
| Weight | About 0.9 ounces (25 grams) |
Why Is the Ball Called a “Pickleball”?
The name “pickleball” is a bit strange. It does not come from pickles you eat!
There are two main stories about the name:
- The Pickle Boat story: The game was named after a “pickle boat” in rowing. This boat was made from leftover rowers from other boats.
- The Dog Pickles story: Some say the game was named after a dog named Pickles. This dog liked to chase the ball.
The first story is more true. The game’s name shows it is a mix of other sports.
How Does a Pickleball Feel?
When you hold a pickleball, it feels light and smooth.
You can feel the small holes and dimples on its surface.
It is not soft like a tennis ball. It is firm but easy to grip.
Pickleball vs. Other Balls
How is a pickleball different from other sports balls?
| Ball Type | Material | Size | Weight | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickleball | Plastic with holes | 2.87 inches | 0.9 ounces | Holes for air flow |
| Tennis Ball | Rubber covered with felt | 2.7 inches | 2.7 ounces | Fuzzy surface |
| Ping Pong Ball | Plastic without holes | 1.57 inches | 0.09 ounces | Light and smooth |
Credit: www.networldsports.com
Where to Buy a Pickleball?
You can find pickleballs in sports stores or online.
Pickleballs are not very expensive. They come in packs of 3 or more.
Choose a ball for indoor or outdoor use, based on where you play.
Summary
A pickleball is a small, round ball made of plastic. It has many holes to help it move through the air. Its size is about 2.87 inches, and it is light in weight. Pickleballs come in bright colors like yellow, green, or orange. There are two types: indoor and outdoor balls. Indoor balls have bigger holes and are softer. Outdoor balls have smaller holes and are harder. The name “pickleball” comes from a rowing term, not from the dog named Pickles. The ball feels smooth with tiny bumps and holes. It is easy to hold and hit with a paddle.
Now you know what a pickleball looks like. Next time you see one, you will recognize it easily!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Five Rules Of Pickleball?
The five rules of pickleball are: 1) Serve underhand, 2) Serve diagonally, 3) Let the ball bounce once on each side, 4) Avoid stepping into the non-volley zone during volleys, 5) Score only when serving. These rules ensure fair and fun gameplay.
What Is Pickleball And Why Is It Called That?
Pickleball is a paddle sport blending tennis, badminton, and table tennis on a small court with a perforated ball. Its name likely comes from the “pickle boat,” a rowing term for mixed crews, reflecting the game’s mixed origins. The dog Pickles story is less supported.
What Does An Official Pickleball Look Like?
An official pickleball is a perforated, lightweight plastic ball. It measures 2. 87 to 2. 97 inches in diameter. It has 26 to 40 evenly spaced holes. The ball weighs between 0. 78 to 0. 935 ounces. It comes in indoor or outdoor versions with different hole patterns.
Are Pickle Balls And Wiffle Balls The Same Thing?
Pickleballs and wiffle balls are similar but not identical. Pickleballs have smaller holes and a harder plastic shell. Wiffle balls are lighter with larger holes, designed for different games. Both are perforated plastic balls but serve distinct sports and purposes.