There is a difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball. This involves several factors regarding the level of difficulty and our ability to adapt to field conditions. Playing with an open field means that we will be exposed to more wind and sun. While playing on an indoor field may be a little darker.
Difference Between Pickleball balls Indoors & Outdoor Pickleballs
Outdoor Pickleball Balls
In general, pickleball balls that you will often encounter are pickleball balls for outdoor. It has a harder and heavier texture and has at least 40 holes. This aims to minimize the influence of the wind on the speed of the ball. However, the added weight of this outdoor ball will make the ball go faster. This will affect the intensity of the outdoor pickleball game.
You have to play with quick reactions and control the movement of the ball which is often erratic. Outdoor-type balls also have a relatively short lifespan because they are more often exposed to heat and other extreme weather changes.
Indoor Pickleball Balls
The main difference between Outdoor vs Indoor pickleball lies in its weight. Indoor pickleball has a light mass. This is because indoor games are slightly or not affected at all by wind conditions.
This causes indoor pickleball to be easier to control and softer to play. The indoor ball has half fewer holes than the outdoor ball, which is only 26 holes.
Indoor balls cannot be played outdoors because their light texture will make them easily hit by the wind and make playing difficult. It also won’t cost you any extra effort to hit it so if you’re used to playing with outdoor balls, you’ll need to be a bit softer with indoor balls.
Playing Pickleball Indoor vs Outdoor, Which is More Fun to play?
Indoor Pickleballs Experience
If you are a beginner pickleball, we advise you to play indoors first if possible. Some of the factors that favor indoor games for beginners are because of the easier ball control. You may be more focused on playing if you are not affected by wind and sun conditions.
You’ll count shots more easily and aim the ball your way more regularly. However, the disadvantage of playing indoors is that the noise generated by the paddle will be louder. In addition, the court used to play pickleball usually uses as an indoor court for other sports such as tennis or basketball.
Outdoor Pickleball Experience
If the main problem of indoor pickleball is more to the sound of paddles and room echoes, then note this: the main enemies of outdoor play are wind and sun. Playing outdoors will make you more exposed to the sun. Plus, a slightly heavier ball will give you extra power with each hit.
Wearing a sports hat and glasses may help you. Glasses can help you reduce sun exposure to your eyes and improve the viewing angle of the shot.
Playing outdoors is more fun if you are a typical person who is competitive and likes a challenge. Therefore we can conclude that outdoor pickleball is more difficult than indoor pickleball.
Ball Requirements
The United States Pickleball Association or USAPA provides specific requirements for the balls played in the game of pickleball. This regulation regarding balls aims so that each ball has the same specifications in every game. So you no longer need to think that your ball is different from the ball used in competitive matches.
The written rules are that every ball produced must pass the testing stage. Each ball must be rigorously tested for bounce. The board used to carry out the test is a granite board measuring 12 x 12 x 4 inches with a temperature between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of measurement. You can see the complete rules regarding ball products below.
- The ball must be soft and easy to shape
- Pickleball must have the same color and have the logo of the place of production.
- Has a diameter of 2.87-2.97 inches.
- It weighs between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces.
- If the ball is dropped from a height of 78 inches, it must bounce from a height of 30-34 inches.
- Has a ball hardness level on a scale of 40-50 durometer D.
- Have 26-40 holes with equal or regular spacing.
- Read more: “How Long Do Pickleball Last? The Durability of Pickleballs”
Pickleballs Color
USAPA may be strict about regulations regarding the dimensions of the ball, but they liberate the color. Provided that the surface of the ball must consist of one base color. But in general, orange, neon green, and white balls are common pickleball colors. Bright colors will be easier to identify in an indoor room that tends to be darker.
Conclusion
Playing pickleball between Indoor and Outdoor has its advantages and disadvantages. In general, it is affected by weather conditions and room noise. In addition, the specifications of the ball used indoors and outdoors are also different. USAPA as an official institution has regulated the regulations in sufficient detail.
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