Best Pickleball Balls for Indoor Play
The best indoor pickleballs are lightweight with larger holes (typically 26) for slower, more controlled play on smooth gym floors — top options include the Jugs Indoor Pickleball and the Onix Fuse Indoor, both known for predictable bounce and soft feel on indoor surfaces.
Top Indoor Ball Recommendations
- Jugs Indoor Pickleball: The standard at many indoor facilities; lightweight with a predictable bounce on gym floors.
- Onix Fuse Indoor: Soft feel and great control; works well on smooth indoor surfaces.
Why Indoor Balls Are Built Differently
Indoor balls use fewer, larger holes than outdoor balls, which makes them softer, lighter, and slower in flight — well-suited to the smooth, consistent surface of a gym floor where a harder outdoor ball would play too fast and unpredictably. Indoor balls are also generally less affected by cold, since indoor facilities maintain a controlled temperature that outdoor courts can't.
NoteNever substitute an outdoor ball for indoor play or vice versa if you can avoid it — the two are engineered for different surfaces and conditions, and using the wrong type noticeably changes how the game plays. If you play both indoors and outdoors regularly, keep both types on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holes does an indoor pickleball have?
Indoor balls typically have 26 larger holes, compared to 40 smaller holes on outdoor balls. This difference is what gives indoor balls their softer feel and slower flight.
Where can I buy indoor pickleballs?
Pickleball Central carries a full selection of indoor and outdoor pickleballs from all major brands.
Related Articles
- Pickleball Equipment Guide: Balls, Shoes & Gear
- Best Pickleball Balls for Outdoor Play
- How to Choose the Right Pickleball Ball
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