In the  paddle , we often talk about the  snowshoeing ,  shoes  or even the type of  the land . But there is one essential element, sometimes overlooked, which directly influences the quality of the game and the health of the players:  the ball .

Pressure, the key to the game

A padel ball must have a  pressure included  between 4,6 and 5,2 kg. To check its condition, simply drop it from 2,54 m: its bounce must be between  1,35 m and 1,47 m .
A properly pressurized ball bounces better, provides a consistent release, and requires less effort to generate power. Conversely, a ball without pressure becomes more  heavy  and places more demands on the arm, increasing the risk of injury.

Playing with worn balls: a risk for the arm

When a ball loses pressure, the impact becomes drier and the  vibes  are transmitted more to the forearm and shoulder. Result: an increased risk of  tendonitis  (tennis elbow), one of the most common injuries among padel players.

How to detect a ball in bad condition?

There are a few clues you can use to know if a ball needs to be changed:

  •  Low rebound  : if it does not go back up properly when dropped.
  •  muffled sound  : it no longer produces the characteristic “pop”.
  •  Feeling of heaviness  : the ball appears “dead” on impact.
  •  Visible wear  : smooth felt, dull color.

In practice, a ball should be replaced every  3 to 4 parts  in leisure. In competition or intensive training, renewal occurs even earlier.

How to extend their lifespan?

The most effective solution is to use a  pressure box . This system creates a pressure balance (internal/external) allowing the balls to be re-pressurized. A simple and economical way to extend the life of the balls a little. You can find these boxes on our partner shops.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !

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