Yes, you can technically play padel with tennis balls, but it’s not the ideal choice. Here’s why:
- Bounce and Pressure:
- Tennis Balls: Fresh tennis balls have higher internal pressure, which results in a livelier bounce.
- Padel Balls: Padel balls are specifically designed with lower pressure to provide a controlled bounce suitable for the game.
- Bounce Height:
- Tennis balls, due to their higher pressure, tend to bounce significantly higher on a padel court.
- This extra bounce can disrupt the rhythm of a padel match and affect gameplay.
- Padel Purists:
- Enthusiastic padel players might find the idea of using tennis balls unsettling.
- For an authentic padel experience, it’s best to stick to the right padel balls.
- Casual Games:
- If you’re playing a casual knockabout or transitioning from tennis to padel, slightly worn tennis balls with reduced bounce could be a temporary solution.
- However, always opt for the correct padel ball when following the basic rules or preparing for a competitive game.
Bounce, Pressure, and Play
The significant difference between padel balls and tennis balls lies in their internal pressures, bounce heights, and diameter variations. While both types of balls come from the same manufacturers and share similar materials, their designated uses on tennis and padel courts differ.
