Best Tennis Balls – CNET [CNET]

When choosing tennis balls, you’ll first need to determine where and how often you’ll be playing so that you can find the best type of tennis ball that’s suitable for your needs. If you’re playing high above sea level, you’ll want to use high-altitude balls, for instance. If you plan to play on hard court surfaces, you’ll want to use extra-duty balls, while regular-duty tennis balls are better suited for grass or clay. Young children and beginners should start with bigger, softer balls that are slower than regular tennis balls, so they’re easier to see and make contact with.

The main difference between regular-duty and extra-duty tennis balls is that extra-duty balls, also known as “hard court” balls, have a thicker and more durable felt covering, so they’re meant to last longer on hard surfaces. Regular-duty balls are bouncier and move a little faster, which makes them ideal for indoor courts and clay courts. 

Kids’ tennis balls, better known as junior tennis balls, generally fall under four categories:

Foam tennis balls: Since they’re made of foam, these are the largest and lightest of the four. Players can easily make contact with these balls, but they’re best for smaller courts and short rackets.

Red tennis balls: Heavier than foam balls, but still bigger and lighter than the next stage up, these are our top pick for beginners. They’re 75% slower than a standard tennis ball and can help players pick up good techniques.

Orange tennis balls: These balls are 50% slower than a standard yellow ball. They’re not designed for full-size courts, but they help provide players with a good introduction to strategy and tactics.

Green tennis balls: These balls are designed for full-length courts and are the next step before players start using standard balls. They’re 25% slower than a standard tennis ball.