Does a beginner need to buy indoor and outdoor pickleball balls?

Upon entering the world of pickleball, one quickly discovers that there are two types of balls : indoor balls (for indoor use) and outdoor balls (for outdoor use).

For a beginner, this can be confusing. Do you need to buy a set of balls of each type? Can you just use one type to start with?

Don't worry, we'll clarify all of this. First, let's look at the differences between these balls, and then the actual needs of a new player.

Indoor vs outdoor balls: what are the differences?

Both indoor and outdoor pickleball balls are made of hollow plastic, but have notable differences:

• Indoor balls : generally lighter and slightly softer. They have large holes (often 26 holes) distributed across their surface. These large openings make them less sensitive to air, which is ideal for indoor use.
  They bounce a little less quickly, offering better control, an advantage on the smooth floors of gymnasiums. On the other hand, they are less stable if used outdoors because the wind could deflect them more easily.

• Outdoor balls : harder and slightly heavier. They have more small holes (often 40). These smaller, more numerous holes allow the ball to be more stable in the wind and to have a crisp bounce on asphalt or concrete.
  They are designed to last on rough surfaces, but they may feel faster and less controllable to a beginner, especially indoors on a very smooth floor.

Visually, these balls are often distinguished by the size of the holes. Some brands also use specific colors (for example, yellow or orange for outdoor, green for indoor), but this is not a universal rule.
The important thing to remember is that each type of ball is optimized for its playing environment.
Choosing the right pickleball equipment for a beginner is important, and that includes good balls.

Should a beginner own both types of balls?

The key question for a beginner is whether it is necessary to have both indoor and outdoor balls from the start.
The answer depends mainly on where you plan to play :

• If you plan to play exclusively indoors (for example, in a gymnasium or covered sports center), you can simply use indoor balls. They will be perfectly suited to this surface, and you won't need outdoor balls right away.

• If you mainly play outdoors (on outdoor pickleball courts, in parks, etc.), outdoor balls are essential. There's no point in buying indoor balls that you won't use, unless you plan to play indoors later.

• If you plan to alternate between indoor and outdoor sessions, or if you're still unsure of your preferred practice location, then yes, having both types of balls on hand will be useful. This will prevent you from playing with unsuitable equipment depending on the conditions.

In summary, a beginner doesn't necessarily need to buy both versions of balls right away. First, identify your main playing area. Many new players start in a specific setting (for example, they sign up for a time slot at the gym, or conversely, join friends on an outdoor court).
In this case, a single type of ball is sufficient to start with. You can always expand your equipment later if your playing habits change.

Pitfalls to avoid: playing with the wrong type of ball

A classic mistake would be to play outdoors with indoor balls (too light, risking breaking on the tarmac or blowing away in the wind), or to play indoors with outdoor balls (which bounce harder and can make the game difficult for beginners indoors).

If you happen to only have one type of ball on hand, you can still play, of course, but the experience will not be optimal.
In the long run, consistently using the wrong ball can even damage your equipment faster (indoor balls crack more easily on asphalt, for example). So, you might as well use the right ball for the right surface.

Fortunately, pickleballs aren't expensive. You can find tubes of three balls for around ten euros. So it's relatively affordable to get a set of indoor and outdoor balls.
Some starter packs or kits even include both types of balls right from the start, which is very convenient if you want to be prepared for any eventuality. For example, the Smart Start Kit provides two indoor and two outdoor balls, saving you from having to make that initial choice.

Start with the balls you need

In conclusion, a beginner doesn't necessarily need to buy every type of pickleball right away. Just get the ones that are suitable for your usual playing location.

However, if you play in varied environments, acquiring both can only broaden your options and ensure you're always prepared. The most important thing is to be able to distinguish between these balls and use the appropriate one to get the most out of your first games.

As you progress and play in different situations, you'll refine your equipment. For a broader overview of the necessary gear, check out our complete beginner's equipment guide. But for now, keep it simple: a good paddle, the right balls, and you're ready to enjoy the game!

FAQ

What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor pickleball?

The indoor ball is lighter, slightly softer, and has larger holes (around 26). It offers more control indoors and a moderate speed. The outdoor ball is harder, slightly heavier, and has many small holes (around 40), making it stable in the wind and ideal for hard outdoor surfaces. However, it bounces faster.

Can an indoor ball be used outdoors (and vice versa)?

Technically yes, you can play with any ball, but it's not recommended. An indoor ball used outdoors is likely to wear out quickly and be very affected by the wind. Conversely, an outdoor ball used indoors will have a faster bounce and can make the game less controllable, especially for a beginner.

Can a beginner be satisfied with just one type of ball at the beginning?

Yes, if he knows where he'll be playing most of the time. For example, if you're starting out playing only indoors (club, gym), indoor balls will be enough to begin with. If you're mainly playing outdoors, focus on outdoor balls. You don't need to buy both types right away unless you'll be switching between indoor and outdoor very frequently.

How much does a pickleball cost and how many should I buy?

On average, a pickleball costs around €3 to €4. They are often sold in packs of 3 or 6. To start, a tube of 3 balls will suffice in most situations. If you play both indoors and outdoors, you can get one tube of each, which is still affordable. Having a few spare balls is always useful in case of loss or breakage.

Are there any indoor and outdoor ball packs available for beginners?

Yes. Some starter kits include both indoor and outdoor balls so you don't have to choose. For example, the Smart Start Kit from The Pickleballer includes two balls of each type right from the start. This way, a beginner is sure to be equipped to play indoors or outdoors without any problems.