A pickleball is a light, plastic ball with 26–40 holes, about baseball-sized.
If you’ve ever wondered what does a pickleball look like, this guide is for you. I coach new players and help clubs choose the right gear. I’ll break down every detail so you can spot quality on sight. From hole patterns to color rules, we’ll make what does a pickleball look like simple, clear, and useful for your next game.
The essentials at a glance: size, shape, and color
When people ask what does a pickleball look like, I start with size. A pickleball is round, smooth, and close to a baseball in diameter. Official rules set it at 2.87 to 2.97 inches. It should be one solid color for sanctioned play.
Color stands out on court. Bright yellow or neon green is most common because it’s easy to track. You will also see orange, white, or lime. If you want to know what does a pickleball look like in a tournament, think clean, bright, and single-color.
According to official rules, the surface should be smooth and free of sharp marks. You may see a seam line, but it should feel even. The look is simple: a smooth sphere with a neat pattern of holes.
Holes and patterns: why they matter to how it looks and plays
If you want to picture what does a pickleball look like in motion, look at the holes. The ball has 26 to 40 round holes spread in a balanced pattern. That pattern keeps the flight stable.
Outdoor balls use about 40 smaller holes. They cut through wind better and fly fast. Indoor balls use about 26 larger holes. They float a bit more and are easier to control. The hole layout is not random. Makers design it to balance speed, spin, and bounce.
You’ll notice clean drilling and even spacing on good balls. Jagged holes or warped edges hint at poor quality and short life.
Indoor vs outdoor balls: spotting the visual differences
You can answer what does a pickleball look like for indoor vs outdoor by eye. Here is a quick guide:
- Holes: Indoor balls have fewer, larger holes. Outdoor balls have more, smaller holes.
- Color: Both can be bright. Outdoor balls often come in high-visibility yellow or neon green.
- Finish: Outdoor balls feel firmer and look slightly glossier. Indoor balls look a touch softer.
- Wear signs: Outdoor balls scuff and crack around seams. Indoor balls get soft spots first.
If you play both, keep them apart in your bag. It saves guesswork on court.
Materials and construction: what you’ll see up close
Another way to explain what does a pickleball look like is to note the build. Most balls are made from hard, durable plastic. Many are two pieces, heat-welded together. The seam may be visible as a faint ring.
Some brands use single-mold designs for a cleaner look. Either way, the surface must be smooth. No texture, no stick-on graphics, and no cracks. If you see a rough seam or a warped circle, the ball will not fly true.
Weight, bounce, and feel: looks that hint at performance
Looks can suggest how a ball plays. But you can test to confirm. Official rules set the weight at 0.78 to 0.935 ounces. The bounce should be 30 to 34 inches when dropped from a set height on a hard surface. That spec keeps play fair across brands.
Here is a simple home check:
- Drop test: Drop from your shoulder to a firm floor. It should bounce high and crisp.
- Roll test: Roll it on a table. A wobble means it may be out-of-round.
- Squeeze test: It should feel firm, not spongy.
You now know what does a pickleball look like when it is ready for match play: round, firm, smooth, and bright.
How to tell if your pickleball is game-ready
I’ve brought boxes of balls to leagues and learned a few tricks. Use this quick checklist when you ask what does a pickleball look like when it’s good to go:
- Roundness: Spin it on a flat surface. It should spin steady.
- Seam: Look close. The seam should feel smooth, with no gaps.
- Holes: Edges should be clean and uniform.
- Color: Bright and even, with no dull patches.
- Sound: A crisp, hollow pop on a gentle tap, not a dull thud.
If it passes these, you are golden. If not, keep it for casual drilling.
Care, storage, and lifespan: keep that look and pop
What does a pickleball look like after months of play? That depends on care. Heat can warp it. Cold can make it brittle. Both shorten life.
- Store at room temp in a dry place.
- Do not leave balls in a hot car or in freezing air.
- Rotate balls so wear is even.
- Check for hairline cracks around the seam.
In my experience, outdoor balls crack faster in cold weather. For winter play, keep a few spares in a warm bag.
How a pickleball compares to other balls
Sometimes the easiest way to grasp what does a pickleball look like is to compare:
- Versus a tennis ball: Similar size, but pickleballs are smooth, plastic, and have holes. Tennis balls are fuzzy and pressurized.
- Versus a wiffle ball: A pickleball is stiffer, with uniform round holes. Wiffle balls often have a mix of slots or larger holes.
- Versus a baseball: Almost the same diameter, but a baseball is stitched leather with no holes. A pickleball is lighter and hollow.
These side-by-side images in your head help when shopping or explaining to a friend.
Real-world examples and buying tips
When friends ask me what does a pickleball look like in a club setting, I show them two balls: one new outdoor ball and one beat-up practice ball. The new ball is bright, smooth, and firm. The old one has a dull finish, tiny seam cracks, and scuffed holes.
Tips when you buy:
- Choose a single, bright color you track well in your lighting.
- Match hole count to your play setting: 40-hole for outdoor, 26-hole for indoor.
- Buy a small pack first, test bounce and feel, then buy bulk.
- Replace balls when they wobble, feel soft, or show cracks.
This small routine saves money and cuts frustration on court.
Frequently Asked Questions of what does a pickleball look like
What color should a pickleball be?
For sanctioned play, the ball must be a single, uniform color. Bright yellow or neon green is easiest to see on most courts.
How big is a pickleball compared to a baseball?
They are almost the same diameter, about 2.9 inches. The pickleball is lighter and hollow with holes.
How can I tell indoor from outdoor pickleballs?
Count the holes. Indoor balls usually have 26 large holes. Outdoor balls have 40 smaller holes.
Do seams mean low quality?
Not always. Many top balls are two-piece with a welded seam. What matters is a smooth seam and a round, even shape.
What does a pickleball look like when it’s worn out?
You may see hairline cracks near the seam, scuffed holes, and a dull finish. It may wobble when rolled or sound flat on the bounce.
Conclusion
Now you can answer what does a pickleball look like with confidence: a smooth, single-color plastic ball, baseball-sized, with 26 to 40 clean holes and a firm, lively bounce. Use the checks above to spot a good ball fast and avoid duds. Try a few models, test them on your court, and pick the one that looks right and plays right. Ready to level up? Explore more gear guides, share your questions, or subscribe for weekly pickleball tips.