Pickleball vs. Soccer
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 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 soccer balls are governed by IFAB Law 2 and FIFA Quality Programme standards. The adult match ball (Size 5) has a circumference of 68.0–70.0 cm (27–28 in), weight of 410–450 g (14–16 oz), and inflation pressure of 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi). Youth categories use Size 4 (ages 8–12) and Size 3 (under 8), while Futsal uses a low-bounce weighted bladder.
Specification Comparison Table
18 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 | — |
|
Standard Adult Size
|
— | Size 5 IFAB / FIFA Official Match |
|
Size 5 Circumference
|
— | 68.0–70.0 cm (26.8–27.6 in) |
|
Size 5 Mass / Weight
|
— | 410–450 g (14.5–15.9 oz) |
|
Size 5 Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi / 600–1,100 g/cm²) |
|
Size 4 Circumference (Youth 8–12)
|
— | 63.5–66.0 cm (25.0–26.0 in) |
|
Size 4 Mass / Weight
|
— | 350–390 g (12.3–13.8 oz) |
|
Size 3 Circumference (Junior <8)
|
— | 58.5–61.0 cm (23.0–24.0 in) |
|
Size 3 Mass / Weight
|
— | 300–320 g (10.6–11.3 oz) |
|
Futsal Ball Size
|
— | Size 4 (Low-Bounce) 62.0–64.0 cm / 400–440 g (55–65 cm rebound) |
|
Standard Outer Construction
|
— | 32-Panel (20 Hexagons + 12 Pentagons) or Thermal-Bonded PU Synthetic Leather |