Tennis Ball Buying Guide: From Beginners to Pros
Which ones should you buy? What do they use at Wimbledon? Navigate the world of options with Pro:Direct Tennis’s comprehensive guide and find the perfect fit for your game.
Whether you're just picking up a racket for the first time or you're a regular on the court, the right ball can make all the difference. Here's our lowdown on tennis balls, from stages 1 to 3, all the way up to intermediate and pro levels—to keep your selection process simple and your performance as sharp as ever.
Stage 3 Tennis Balls (Red)
Stage 3 tennis balls, aka red balls, are made for the up-and-coming stars—especially the younger crowd under ten. These are bigger, bounce lower, and move slower, giving beginners extra time to react and connect with each hit. Perfect for mastering the basics and getting that confidence up before stepping up to faster balls.
Stage 2 Tennis Balls (Orange)
Next up from red balls are the Stage 2 orange balls—perfect for those 8-10-year-olds who’ve already got the basics down but aren’t ready for the full-court grind just yet. These move quicker and bounce higher than red balls but still give players that extra time to react, being 50% slower than standard balls. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between challenge and control as they level up.
Stage 1 Tennis Balls (Green)
Stage 1, or green tennis balls, are the last stop before stepping up to the real deal. Used by players around 9-10 or adults that are new to the game, they look like standard balls but run about 25% slower. That means a little extra time to react, but with more of the game's challenges starting to kick in. Perfect for those getting a real feel for the court and looking to sharpen their skills.
Intermediate Tennis Balls
Intermediate balls come in two main types—pressurised and pressureless. Pressurised ones are the go-to for that solid bounce and spin, but they’ll lose their pop over time. Pressureless balls? They start off feeling a bit flat, but the more you use them, the better they get. Perfect for casual players who want something that lasts and gets better with every hit.
Advanced/Professional Tennis Balls
For the seasoned pros, advanced balls are where the real magic happens. These balls bring top-tier bounce, speed, and spin to every shot. Here you will start to find the same ones used in prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, pressurised to keep performance sharp over time. If you’re about high-level play and durability, these are the only tennis balls you’ll want in your bag.
Tennis balls are more than just the basics, they’re designed to match your level and push your game forward. Whether you're just starting or a seasoned pro, knowing the difference is key to picking the right ball for your style. Get it right, and you'll feel the improvement with every hit.
