If you’re a fan of pickleball, you know there’s nothing like playing outdoors. But with outdoor play comes a different set of rules and equipment needs. So if you’re looking to up your game and hit it out of the park, literally, you need to make sure you have the right balls. Let’s take a look at what type of pickleball balls are best for outdoor play.


Material Matters

When it comes to outdoor play, the material matters! You want to make sure that despite any temperature or weather changes, your ball will remain consistent in its bounce and spin—that means no surprises when it comes time to serve. The most common material for outdoor pickleball balls is plastic. Plastic pickleballs are made from polyurethane (PU) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is the more durable option—it stands up better against weathering and heavier use than PU does. Although both types can be used for outdoor play, HDPE is more resistant to temperature changes than PU so it performs better in extreme temperatures as well as over longer periods of time.

Size Matters Too
Just like people come in all shapes and sizes, so do pickleballs! Generally speaking, pickleballs come in two sizes—indoor and outdoor. Outdoor balls tend to have larger holes than indoor ones which makes them less affected by windy conditions while they are mid-air and thus easier to control when playing outside. However, these larger holes also mean that they don’t keep their bounce as long as indoor balls do—so make sure you have plenty on hand when heading outdoors!

Colorful Choice                    

Pickleballs come in bright colors too! Bright colors help players track the ball more easily while playing outdoors since there are often distractions like birds chirping or other players moving around nearby that can take away from seeing the ball clearly during gameplay. Bright colors like neon green or yellow really stand out against any background so go ahead and show off your style by picking out a colorful set of balls next time you head out for an afternoon game!

Conclusion:  

Looking to step up your outdoor pickleball game? Have no fear—we've got you covered. Our shopping guide for the best outdoor pickleballs will make sure you'll hit a (literal) home run with all your family members and friends! If that doesn't sound like a good time, I don't know what does. So don't wait another minute—take action today and tap that button below so you can immediately start finding the perfect pickleball fit for your playing style.