Two pickleballs can look almost identical in the bag and behave completely differently the second they hit the court. If you've ever wondered why your gym-hall ball feels like a marshmallow outdoors - or why the ball off the driveway rattles your paddle in a sports hall - the answer is in the holes and the plastic. Here's the full breakdown, minus the jargon.
The three differences that actually matter
Everything comes down to three things: holes, hardness, and how the ball behaves. Get those and you've got it.
1. Number and size of holes
This is the headline difference and the easiest way to tell the two apart.
- Indoor pickleballs usually have 26 holes, and those holes are larger (around 0.43 inches across).
- Outdoor pickleballs usually have 40 holes, and those holes are smaller (around 0.28 inches across).
Why the difference? Outdoor courts have wind. Forty smaller, precisely-drilled holes make the ball more stable and less likely to get pushed off-line by a breeze. Indoors there's no wind to fight, so the larger 26-hole design creates more drag - which slows the ball down and makes for longer, more controlled rallies.
2. Plastic hardness
- Outdoor balls are made from a harder, firmer, smoother plastic. That firmness gives them a lower, punchier bounce and helps them survive rough outdoor surfaces.
- Indoor balls use a softer, slightly more flexible plastic with a bit more texture. They feel more forgiving on the paddle and are kinder on smooth indoor floors.
You can often feel this just by squeezing the two balls - the outdoor ball resists, the indoor ball gives a touch.
3. How each one plays
Put the holes and the plastic together and you get two genuinely different playing experiences:
- Speed: Indoor balls travel noticeably slower - often around 15-20% slower - thanks to the extra drag from bigger holes. Outdoor balls are quicker and more aggressive.
- Bounce: Indoor balls tend to bounce a little higher and softer. Outdoor balls give a lower, firmer bounce that stays predictable on hard courts.
- Control: The slower indoor ball is easier to place, which is why beginners often find gym-hall pickleball easier to learn on.
- Durability: Here's the twist - outdoor balls are harder, but that hardness makes them crack more easily, especially in the cold. Softer indoor balls flex instead of shattering, so they usually last longer before they split.
Indoor vs outdoor pickleballs: side-by-side
| Feature | Indoor | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Holes | 26 (larger) | 40 (smaller) |
| Plastic | Softer, flexible | Harder, smoother |
| Speed | Slower, more control | Faster, more power |
| Bounce | Higher, softer | Lower, firmer |
| Best surface | Sports-hall floors | Tarmac, acrylic, concrete |
| Durability | Flexes, lasts longer | Cracks sooner in cold |
So which pickleball should you use?
The simplest rule: match the ball to where you're playing.
- Playing in a sports hall, leisure centre or gym? Reach for an indoor ball. The softer, slower ball suits smooth floors and gives you cleaner, longer rallies.
- Playing on an outdoor court, driveway or tarmac? Grab an outdoor ball. You'll want that harder plastic and 40-hole design to handle the surface and shrug off the wind.
In the UK that often means switching with the seasons - indoor balls through the winter months in a sports hall, outdoor balls when you head to the local courts in summer. Plenty of club players simply keep both in the bag.
Can you use an outdoor ball indoors (or vice versa)? You can, and nothing will break - but it won't feel right. An outdoor ball indoors will feel fast and skiddy; an indoor ball outdoors will float and get shoved around by any breeze. For casual knockabouts it's fine. For a proper game or a match, use the right ball.
One last tip that has nothing to do with holes: whatever ball you play with, your paddle and grip decide how much of that spin, control and power you can actually use. A tacky overgrip stops the paddle twisting on contact, and the right paddle weight makes fast outdoor balls far easier to handle.
Key takeaways
- Indoor = 26 larger holes, softer plastic, slower and higher-bouncing.
- Outdoor = 40 smaller holes, harder plastic, faster and wind-stable.
- Match the ball to your surface: indoor balls for sports halls, outdoor balls for tarmac and open-air courts.
- Outdoor balls play harder but crack sooner in the cold; softer indoor balls tend to last longer.
FAQ
How many holes does a pickleball have?
It depends on the type. Indoor pickleballs typically have 26 larger holes, while outdoor pickleballs typically have 40 smaller holes. Both designs are tuned for their environment - drag and control indoors, stability and wind-resistance outdoors.
Are indoor or outdoor pickleballs harder?
Outdoor pickleballs are harder. They're made from a firmer, smoother plastic that produces a lower, faster bounce and copes with rough surfaces. Indoor balls use a softer, more flexible plastic that feels more forgiving.
Can you use outdoor pickleballs indoors?
Yes, but they'll play fast and skiddy on a smooth floor and can feel harsh on the paddle. It's fine for a casual hit, but for a proper indoor game an indoor ball gives you far better control.
Which pickleball is best for beginners?
Beginners often find indoor balls easier because they travel slower and are simpler to place, giving you more time to react. That said, if you're only ever playing on outdoor courts, learn with an outdoor ball so it feels natural in a match.
Do indoor and outdoor pickleballs weigh the same?
They're very close - both sit around 22-26 grams - but the difference in holes and plastic changes how they feel in play far more than the raw weight does.
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