Padel
How to choose the right padel balls
Pressure, felt and wear change the pace of play more than they appear to. Every court at an event should begin with balls in a reasonably similar condition.
PAHANDUS editorial team11-06-2026
Match the ball to the players
A slightly slower, more controllable ball gives beginners more reaction time. Experienced recreational players expect a stable bounce and predictable pace after the glass.
Use one standard across the event
Do not mix brand-new balls with heavily worn ones in the same round. Label tubes by court and replace them together when bounce or felt becomes noticeably different.
- Plan at least one three-ball tube per court.
- Keep spare tubes dry and away from heat.
- Check the balls again before finals or decisive rounds.
When should a ball be replaced?
Replace a ball when it feels dead on the racket, bounces clearly lower than the others or has uneven felt. Consistent conditions are more important than squeezing out one last match.