Tennis balls are used to play tennis sport. Modern-day tennis balls are made of two pieces of hollow rubber shells that are filled with pressurized gas. Rubber shells are covered with high-quality cloth or nylon or wool. Usually, tennis balls that are used for major tournaments will be yellow-colored.
However, tennis balls of regulation play must maintain specific sizes & bounce criteria. Only yellow and white colored tennis balls are allowed. Although for professional games fluorescent yellow color has been used since 1972. This is due to making the balls clearly visible for TV’s spectators.
It is assumed that the first-ever tennis match was played in the 19th century In England. Although its first games were in 1890, the rules largely remain as same as then.
So, How Much Does A Tennis Ball Weigh?
Official tennis balls size is determined by International Tennis Federation(ITF). Although from ball to ball various ranges of size and weight are acceptable. On average a tennis ball weighs 1.975 and 2.095 ounces or 56 grams to 59.4 grams & 2.57 inches to 2.70 inches in diameter.
Four Types Tennis Ball Specification As Per USTA
USTA(United States Tennis Association) said that ITF(International Tennis Federation) is the one who provides the rules of Tennis Balls. Also, ITF controls the manners amendments of changing the rules of tennis ball sizes.
| TYPE 1 (FAST) | TYPE 2 (MEDIUM) | TYPE 3 (SLOW) | HIGH ALTITUDE | |
| MASS (WEIGHT) | 56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 oz.) | 56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 oz.) | 56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 oz.) | 56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 oz.) |
| SIZE | 6.54-6.86 cm (2.57-2.70 in.) | 6.54-6.86 cm (2.57-2.70 in.) | 7.00-7.30 cm (2.76-2.87 in.) | 6.54-6.86 cm (2.57-2.70 in.) |
| REBOUND | 135-147 cm (53-58 in.) | 135-147 cm (53-58 in.) | 135-147 cm (53-58 in.) | 122-135 cm (48-53 in.) |
| FORWARD DEFORMATION4 | 0.50-0.60 cm (0.197-0.236 in.) | 0.56-0.74 cm (0.220-0.291 in.) | 0.56-0.74 cm (0.220-0.291 in.) | 0.56-0.74 cm (0.220-0.291 in.) |
| RETURN DEFORMATION4 | 0.67-0.91 cm (0.264-0.358 in.) | 0.80-1.08 cm (0.315-0.425 in.) | 0.80-1.08 cm (0.315-0.425 in.) | 0.80-1.08 cm (0.315-0.425 in.) |
| COLOR | White or Yellow | White or Yellow | White or Yellow | White or Yellow |
Table credit: balls.com
How Much Does A Tennis ball cost?
The cost of tennis balls depends on many factors which include the number of balls available in a package as well as the quality of the balls. If you consider these two things, then the average cost of tennis balls ranges between $7 to $40.
As most buyers do not look for single balls rather they look for a package, a single tennis ball has no value of use. So it is really impossible to say the price of a single tennis ball.
Most tennis balls are sold in three packages which include plastic bags, plastic cans & fabric bags.
3 balls package: The price of this package ranges from $7 to $10 and these balls come with either a can or plastic bag.
4 balls package: Rarest tennis balls package among all packages. The package includes a can and the price ranges between $9 to $14.
6 balls package: This package comes in two cans and each can contains 3 balls and the price is around $15.
12 balls package: This package includes a plastic polybag or fabric bag and features a higher price. Price ranges between $20 to $24.
18 balls package: The package includes fabric bags, polybags, and even cans. Each can may contain 3 balls and the price of this package is around $30.
24 balls package: This package includes polybag or fabric bags & the price can be between $35 to $38.
36 balls package: Largest package among all packages. The package features both fabric and plastic bags and cans. As usually, each can contains three balls and the price range is between $24 to $40.
How Long Do Tennis Balls Last?
The lifespan of tennis balls depends on using purpose and design of the ball. so depending on these two things a tennis ball can last 1 hour to a maximum of 3 years. Two types of tennis balls are used for recreational purposes & practice sessions.
These two types of balls are pressurized & non-pressurized balls. Whereas a pressurized ball may last 2 to 4 weeks, non-pressurized balls can last more than 1 year to up to 3 years or more.
But most professional-purpose tennis balls last less time than recreational-purpose tennis balls. On average a professional purpose tennis ball lasts a maximum of 1 hour to 3 hours.
Fun Facts
>>First ever tennis ball was created by Charles Goodyear in the 1850s.
>>Wimbledon is the oldest and most popular tennis tournament in the world.
>>It is believed that every year around 300 million tennis balls are produced.
>>The ITF has approved more than 200 tennis ball brands around the world!
>>Fastest ever tennis ball was served by Australian tennis player Sam Groth which was 163.4 mph or 263 kph!
>>When the weather becomes more humidity a tennis ball becomes slower and travel slowly through the air.
>>Each year at Wimbledon around 54250 tennis balls are used!
