SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-indoor-vs-outdoor-ball

How do indoor and outdoor pickleballs generally differ?

Outdoor balls usually have smaller holes.

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  1. Outdoor balls usually have smaller holes ✔
  2. Indoor balls have no holes
  3. Outdoor balls are bigger and softer

Why: USA Pickleball says balls with larger holes are customarily used indoors and balls with smaller holes outdoors. Any approved ball is still legal in either place.

Huh, didn't know that: An approved ball must be one uniform color, except for its markings.

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Why did the outdoor ball work in wind? It had small holes but big confidence.
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References

Answer: Outdoor balls usually have smaller holes. USA Pickleball says balls with larger holes are customarily used indoors and balls with smaller holes outdoors. Any approved ball is still legal in either place.

  1. 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook usapickleball.org/docs/rules/USAP-Official-Rulebook.pdf
    The ball with smaller holes is customarily used for outdoor play (pictured on the right).
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessHow many holes may an approved pickleball have?Sports & FitnessDuring a rally, your shot touches the top of the net and goes over. What happens?Sports & FitnessThe ball hits your paddle hand, below the wrist, while you are holding the paddle. Is it a fault?

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