Pickleball vs. Rugby
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
Official pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Official rugby balls are prolate spheroids regulated by World Rugby (Law 2) for Rugby Union and the RFL for Rugby League. An adult match ball (Size 5) has a length of 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in), long circumference of 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in), short circumference of 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in), mass of 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz), and pressure of 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi).
Specification Comparison Table
17 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Diameter
|
72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) | — |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) | — |
|
Rebound Bounce Height
|
76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite | — |
|
Compression Hardness (Durometer)
|
40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F | — |
|
Total Hole Count
|
26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes | — |
|
Outdoor Ball Configuration
|
40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant | — |
|
Indoor Ball Configuration
|
26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin | — |
|
Construction
|
Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard | — |
|
Official Match Size
|
— | Size 5 World Rugby / IRL Standard |
|
Length Axis (Tip to Tip)
|
— | 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in) |
|
Long Circumference
|
— | 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in) |
|
Short Circumference
|
— | 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in) |
|
Mass / Weight
|
— | 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz) |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi / 65.71–68.75 kPa) |
|
Size 4 Youth (Ages 10–14)
|
— | 270 mm length / 540 mm short circ / 370–390 g Youth Standard |
|
Size 3 Junior (Under 10)
|
— | 250 mm length / 500 mm short circ / 310–330 g Junior Standard |
|
Panel Geometry
|
— | 4-Panel Poly-Cotton Laminate with Rubber Compound Pimple Grip Standard |