Explained: Why Tennis Balls Are Packed in a Pressurised Can

Different Types of Tennis Balls 

Thankfully, all tennis balls smell the same! However, in all seriousness, there are three main groups of tennis balls: professional, championship and practice balls. Whilst they all serve their intended purpose, there are a few determining factors as to which is the most appropriate. 

Professional Tennis Ball

This ball is a premium tennis ball. High quality, high level of pressure and can maintain that pressure throughout a competitive match. Often, these balls are discarded after first use (but that is just down to the professional needs of high level tennis), the ball itself is still very much serviceable. 

Championship Tennis Ball

A step down from the professional ball, both in pressure and quality, this is a somewhat more affordable option for your everyday (but still competitive) encounter. These balls are designed to be put through their paces and service multiple games. 

Practice Tennis Ball

As the name suggests, they aren’t intended for a competitive matchup. These are great for ball machines and often find their home in the ball basket for an extended period. These guys have an amazing life span, and so coupled with their price, they often make for a coaches’ best friend. 

Does the Surface Have an Effect on The Type of Ball?

What about the surface you ask? Well, it certainly plays a role insofar as determining the makeup of the ball. There are four categories of balls influenced by the surface, namely; All-Court, Hard Court, Grass Court and Hi-Altitude. 

All-Court Tennis Ball

Ideally for your clay surface or indoor surface. They have a much softer feel, but also a significantly shorter lifespan than their hard court cousins. 

Hard Court Tennis Ball

Yes, you guessed it! They are meant for hard courts. The feel is a largely more texturised, the ball is woven with more wool for the harder surface and as such are best for your outdoor courts. 

Grass Court Tennis Ball

These are effectively the All-Court balls, but with a stain resistant model attached to their manufacturing. This is only done so that the grass doesn’t adversely affect the colour of the ball. 

Hi-Altitude Tennis Ball

The science suggests that at around 4000 feet or higher your average tennis ball flies around, these are then simply manufactured to be played at altitudes of 4000 feet or higher and maintain their expected characteristics.