Foam balls
Ideal for younger players or those just starting out on the court.
When it comes to choosing the right tennis balls, many players overlook their importance. And yet, just like the right racket, balls have a direct influence on the quality of your game. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, the choice of ball can affect your control, your comfort and even the lifespan of your equipment. At our academy, we pay particular attention to using the right balls for each level. Our courses, designed for all ages and abilities, incorporate these strategic choices to optimise your progress.
Why is the choice of tennis ball essential?
Professional players replace their balls after seven games, then every nine. This shows the extent to which balls lose performance and why it’s crucial to choose the right ones for each type of game. Choosing the right ball can affect the speed of rallies, ball control and even muscle fatigue, especially if you play on hard surfaces. An unsuitable ball could not only make the game less enjoyable but also increase the risk of injuries such as tendonitis or tennis elbow.
Balls for children and beginners
Using the right balls is essential, especially for young players or beginners. Slower, softer balls allow players to acquire their technique without becoming frustrated by too fast a pace. Here are the different types of ball for children:
-
-
Red level (children aged 5 to 7)
These bullets are 75% slower than conventional bullets.
-
Orange level (children aged 8 to 9)
They are 50% slower.
-
Green level (children aged 9 to 10)
25% slower, they prepare you to switch to classic balls.
These balls improve control and help you learn the basics of tennis, while minimising the risk of fatigue or poor posture caused by balls that are too fast or bounce too much.
Pressure balls
Pressurised tennis balls are commonly used by amateur and professional players. Lightweight and comfortable to play, they gradually lose their pressure after opening, reducing their lifespan to around two weeks.
Types of balls with pressure :
- Professional: high quality for official matches.
- Championship: perfect for training sessions.
- Recreational: for ball machines or leisure use.
Other variants include :
- Extra Duty: for hard courts, very resistant.
- Regular Duty: for indoor pitches.
- High Altitude : for high-altitude games.
- Hydro-Guard: moisture-resistant.
These balls are ideal for players who play regularly, but be careful not to use them beyond their capacity, because if they are too worn, they can lead to a lack of control on shots and a drop in the quality of exchanges.
To test the quality of a pressure ball, drop it from head height. If it bounces up to your waist, it’s still good to use.
Pressure-free balls
They are more robust and can be used for longer. Thanks to their thick rubber centre, they retain a constant bounce even after many uses. They are often harder, making control of the game more complex. These balls are ideal for prolonged training sessions.
They are also recommended for clubs or academies, as they reduce the cost of purchasing new balls, while offering a much longer service life than those with pressure. However, their firmer bounce may take some getting used to.
FAQ : Your questions about tennis balls
-
Choosing the right tennis balls depends on several criteria: your level of play, the surface you play on and how often you train. For beginners, low-pressure or foam balls provide better control of rallies and help you learn the technique. If you play regularly, opt for balls with pressure that provide a constant bounce. Finally, take into account the specific conditions of the court (hard, grass, clay), as some balls are specially designed to adapt to these surfaces and improve your performance while reducing the risk of injury.
-
The lifespan of a tennis ball depends on a number of factors, including the type of ball, the playing surface and how often it is used. Pressure balls, although very effective, start to lose their quality as soon as the box is opened. In general, they are effective for around 3 to 4 matches before their bounce becomes insufficient. Non-pressure balls, which are more robust, can last much longer, sometimes several months, especially if used for training on hard surfaces. However, weather conditions and the quality of the pitch also influence their longevity.
-
Maintaining the pressure of tennis balls after opening is a challenge, as they start to lose air as soon as they are removed from their sealed box. To maximise their lifespan, we recommend storing them in pressurised tubes or hermetically sealed boxes designed to maintain pressure. It’s also best to keep them in a cool, dry environment, away from extreme heat or humidity, which can accelerate their deterioration. If you play often, try to use them quickly after opening and avoid leaving them unused for long periods. This will extend the life and quality of the bounce.
