If you’re a beginner tennis player, you may be wondering about the balls used for the games. There are many varieties of tennis balls that you will find on the market. However, each one can be used for only a set period. This is relatively the same for most balls despite the brand. If you’re wondering how long do tennis balls last, you’re in the right place. Here is what you need to know.
Types of Tennis Balls
The lifespan of tennis balls depends on their type significantly. That is why it is essential to understand them. Generally, tennis balls fall into two categories:
- Pressurized Balls
This is the most prevalent type of tennis ball that people use, so it is also considered the standard ball for this sport. They are designed to have some pressure inside the core.
One of the reasons tennis balls are pressurized is so that they bounce off particular inches as per the regulations. This can only be achieved if the ball has some pressure.
- Pressureless Balls
Tennis is typically played with pressurized balls, but that does not mean there is no option for a pressureless ball. This type comes with a thick core made up of rubber.
They are designed to bounce like regular balls. However, the rubber core makes them stiff and heavy. As a result, players don’t find it fun to play with these balls.
Typically, tennis coaches use this type during lessons. This ball is also used during practice matches by tutors. That is because they are highly durable and enable consistent performance.
Factors That Affect the Longevity of a Tennis Ball
It is no secret that a tennis ball will wear down with time. Many factors affect their lifespan. Here are the top ones that you should consider to determine the life expectancy of your tennis ball:
- Type of Game
The purpose you will be using the ball plays an integral role in its lifespan. Typically, there are two types of tennis play. The first is recreational play, while the second one is competitive tennis.
For both games, pressurized balls are the first preference of all players. In recreational tennis, the games are less intense and medium-paced. Thus, the ball is typically hit with less force.
Meanwhile, in competitive tennis, the ball is hit with greater force and more frequently. As a result, the lifespan of this piece of equipment is greater when you are playing recreationally.
- Tennis Court
There are different types of tennis courts that you will come across. While the layout may be identical, their surface varies significantly. This affects the longevity of a tennis ball too.
Courts made up of concrete or asphalt have a hard surface. They are also abrasive, which is why tennis balls wear out quickly if you use them there.
Meanwhile, grass and clay courts are relatively smooth and non-abrasive. So if you play tennis in one of these types, then your ball will last for a longer time. That is because they have a significantly less impact on the balls, due to which they don’t wear down promptly.
How Long Do Pressurized Tennis Balls Last?
These balls have relatively low life expectancy than the other type. If you use them for recreational games, they will last in one to four weeks.
However, if you use pressurized balls for competitive tennis, then they will wear out promptly. Typically, they last for one to three hours only if you play consistently.
How Long Do Pressureless Tennis Balls Last?
Pressureless tennis balls are not used for competitive games. This is because they are not suitable for that level of play. Hence, we don’t have an estimated life expectancy for this difficulty level.
However, if you use these balls for recreational games, they can last between one to three years. You should keep in mind that playing with this ball is not as fun as playing with pressurized balls.
Why Don’t Tennis Balls Last a Lifetime?
You may have expected tennis balls to last for years or months rather than weeks. However, that is not possible because of many reasons. Here are the top ones to help you understand:
- Loss of Pressure
Pressurized tennis balls are made of a hollow, porous rubber coating filled with gas and covered with yellow fuzz. With time pressure is lost from these pores, which makes it difficult for the ball to bounce.
Many people use tennis ball pressurizers to store their balls. This can help to increase life expectancy to some extent by preventing unnecessary loss of pressure.
- Loss of Fabric
Tennis balls are covered with a fabric or fuzz that is typically yellow. As you use the ball more, it starts to become bald. That is because the material starts to wear off, and threads are lost.
When the ball loses the fuzz, it cannot spin effectively, and speed is affected too. Typically, competitive players face this issue more often than other players because they hit the ball with more force.
Why Should You Replace a Tennis Ball?
When a tennis ball starts to wear down, you will have to replace it at some point. That is because the performance will no longer be up to expectation. At that time, the balls are referred to as dead and require replacing.
You can continue to use the ball after it becomes dead, but that is not preferable. Here are the top reasons why you should replace it:
- The Ball Becomes Flat
When the tennis ball loses its internal pressure, it also starts to lose its form to some extent. The ball becomes flat, which is why it does not bounce much on the court. As a result, you will be required to hit with greater strength.
However, pulling off a good stroke can be challenging because the ball will be too close to the ground. Thus, it is best to replace it to retain the fun experience.
- Visibility
With time tennis balls not only wear out, but they also become dirty. Additionally, when the fuzz starts to disappear, it becomes difficult to see the ball on the court.
Hence, when the ball is not visible properly, you must replace it. Otherwise, playing tennis wouldn’t be fun.
How to Determine When the Ball Needs Replacing?
Sometimes tennis balls wear out before the expected time. Here are two ways to determine whether or not to replace the ball:
- Bounce
When the ball starts to bounce less than it used to when you took it out of the can, it means the pressure is lost. Hence, you must replace it.
- Squeeze
A new ball is difficult to squeeze because it is filled with pressure. However, when a tennis ball becomes dead, it will be pretty easy for you to press it.
Final Words
That was everything you needed to know about how long do tennis balls last. The life expectancy depends on the type of ball, the surface of the court, and other factors. You must also replace it on time to have a better playing experience.
Pressurized balls have a maximum lifespan of four weeks, while pressureless balls can last for up to three years. Keeping this in mind will help you replace the ball on time.
