If you are serious about tennis, you must constantly hit the court and be consistent with the training sessions. However, to become the best in the game doesn’t take only dedication and sweat; you need the best equipment possible too. To make the journey easier for you, this time, we decided to focus on the best tennis balls for practice.
Picking the right ones can be quite a struggle and time-consuming with such a wide variety on the market and new options popping up every year. You have better things to focus on instead of spending months and months on finding what works best for you. This guide covers all the important stuff you need to learn and features our best practice tennis balls selection. Keep scrolling!
- Best Overall: Gamma Sports Pressureless Tennis Balls
- Best for Serve Practice: Tebery Green Advanced Training Tennis Balls
- Best Budget: Gamma Bag of Pressureless Tennis Balls
- Best for Intense Training: Wilson Pressureless Tennis Balls
- Most Durable: Penn Pressureless Tennis Balls
- Best for Beginners: Tennis Training Ball with String
- Best Pressurized: Penn Championship Tennis Balls
- Best Hanging: Springen 3 Pack Tennis Balls
- Also Consider: Swity Home Tennis Balls
Best Tennis Balls for Practice Reviewed
We understand that picking up the best tennis balls for practice can be a real struggle, especially if you are a beginner. To save you money, time, and energy, we took it upon ourselves to find the best options on the market.
All the practice tennis balls featured on our list were selected based on their durability, performance, price, and brand reputation. As a USPTA certificated tennis instructor, I made sure to playtest them during my daily training sessions.
Gamma Sports Pressureless is the best tennis ball for training. They check all the right boxes, delivering high quality and playability. For each purchase, you’ll get a big bucket with 48 balls each. With that much amount, you dont have to worry about losing a ball.
They are pressureless and can keep up with a good performance for a long time. We loved how reliable and consistent the Gamma tennis balls are. Needless to say, they are ultra-durable too and can resist abrasions very well. They are suitable for all court play and won’t wear out fast, even on hard surfaces.
Surprisingly, these tennis balls for practice have a good bounce and allow the player a certain level of control throughout the game. Their versatility makes them perfect for a wide range of players, including fresh beginners, recreational, or junior players. However, it’s important to highlight that some extra physical power is needed for each shot to make the ball move through the air.
You shouldn’t expect high spin or speed either. But again, this is only normal with pressureless tennis balls, and with time and a little effort, you will get used to it and enjoy the performance more. Did we mention that the Gama tennis balls come at an affordable price too? Yeap, you really can’t go wrong with these tennis balls.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressureless
- Surface type: All courts
- The number of balls: 48 per bucket
Pros
- Very durable
- Fit for all courts
- Consistent
- Affordable price
Cons
- Low speed and spin
Get the Gamma Sports Pressureless Tennis Balls on Amazon.
Another favorite pick on this list is the Tebery Green Advanced Training tennis balls. During our playtest, they delivered a great performance, especially during servings. If you are aiming to practice more of your serving slices, these are the perfect choices that will help you master the right skills and techniques.
What we loved the most about the Teaberry tennis balls was the consistent good bounce they delivered throughout the game. These pressureless balls are made of natural rubber to reduce the shock impact. They are highly durable and long lasting, while their outer core is made of wear-resistant material.
The Tebery balls are fit for all court play and can be used by a wide range of players. You can also use them at tennis ball machines for solo practice. For each purchase, you’ll get 20 balls at a very reasonable price. They come in a reusable mesh bag, which is convenient for easy storage and transport. On the downside, the speed and spin level were relatively low, but the more time spent practicing, the easier it was to play with them.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressureless
- Surface type: All courts
- The number of balls: 20
Pros
- Best for serve practice
- Very durable
- Good bounce
- Fit for ball machines
Cons
- Heavy feel
- Low spin and speed
Get the Tebery Green Advanced Training Tennis Balls on Amazon.
Most players, especially beginners, are hesitant about spending a lot of money on practice tennis balls, which is totally valid. If you are also looking for good, affordable options, we recommend the Gamma Bag of Pressureless tennis balls, which come in the best budget ever.
These are very durable too, and you can expect them to last for a very long time, making every penny worth spending. During the playtest, we were really impressed with these Gamma ball performances and bounces. They were consistent and versatile, which is what you need when you are still in a learning phase.
These tennis balls for practice are good enough to throw into a ball machine and can be used by all types of players, from beginners to advanced. You can use them in all types of courts without worrying about the balls wearing out.
Each pack has 18 balls, which you can purchase in four different colors. Choose a unique color, and you won’t mix them with other players’ balls. They come with a meshing bag that you can use to carry the balls around and safely store them. Apart from the expected drawback, like low speed and spin, which were no surprise, these Gama balls gave nothing to complain about it.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressureless
- Surface type: All court
- The number of balls: 18
Pros
- Great price
- Ultra-durable
- Fit for all courts
- Consistent
- Different colors to choose from
Cons
- The meshing beg tends to wear out soon
- Low speed and spin
Get the Gamma Bag of Pressureless Tennis Balls on Amazon.
Go hard or go home?! Wilson pressureless tennis balls are the best ones for intense training. The brand has used dura-wave technology and high-quality rubber material during the manufacturing process. This ensures that the ball will deliver consistently high performance without losing bounce or other features.
These balls are incredibly durable and can certainly take a hit or two without worrying about them breaking out from heavy use. You can use them on all kinds of courts, including hard surfaces, as they are very resistant and won’t wear out. They are fit for a wide range of skill levels, especially advanced players who can take full advantage of them.
Safe to say, we were impressed with the Wilson tennis balls, and we even managed to generate some speed and spin during the playtest by putting in some extra effort. However, it’s worth highlighting that they aren’t as comfortable for the arm as other options since they require a lot of physical strength from the player. If you don’t mind that, you won’t be disappointed.
Wilson is one of the most successful tennis brands on the market, so when looking for high quality and performance, you can always trust they will deliver without fail.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressureless
- Surface type: All courts
- The number of balls: 18
Pros
- Best for intense practicing
- Extremely durable
- High performance
- Good consistent bounce
- Great spin and spin
Cons
- Not comfortable for the arm
Get the Wilson Pressureless Tennis Balls on Amazon.
Penn pressureless tennis balls are the most durable option on our list. They are made of premium quality rubber material, which is very resistant. The Penn balls will not wear out or break anytime soon, no matter the kind of court you play at or the intensity of your shots.
We were curious to test them out, given the fact they are a bestseller in the United States and continuously rated as a top favorite amongst players. These balls meet all of our expectations and more, delivering an amazing performance. The bounce is consistent throughout the game, and you can generate some descend spin with some extra effort.
A wide range of players can use them, including beginners or recreational levels. These tennis balls for practice are a great option for tennis ball machines, too, thanks to the ultra-durability feature. When purchasing, you can opt out between a 12-ball bag or a 48-ball bucket, which has an affordable price tag.
Product Specs
- Type Pressureless
- Surface type: All courts
- The number of balls: 12 or 48
Pros
- Most durable
- Fit for ball machines
- Affordable price
- It can be used in all courts
Cons
- Heavyweight
Get the Penn Pressureless Tennis Balls on Amazon.
For beginners, we recommend the Tennis Training Ball with String as the best option. It has a unique design, with a thick wiring rope built inside the ball. It is very easy and convenient to use, even during solo practice.
With these practice tennis balls, you won’t even need to spend time or energy to pick up the ball, as the string will bring it right back at you. This is the definition of “working smart, not hard,” which will allow you to master your techniques efficiently.
It will drastically improve your hand-eye coordination, which is one of the important skills a player should have. The ball itself is durable, versatile, and safe to use, even for children. They come in packs with four balls each and are easily portable.
On the downside, you shouldn’t expect high performance from this ball. The bounce, speed, or spin are low and kind of disappointing. However, these are features that a fresh beginner wouldn’t mind lacking, as it is still learning. Another bonus is the cheap price so that you can consider these balls a safe investment.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressureless
- Surface type: All court
- The number of balls: 4
Pros
- Easy to use
- Practical and portable
- Convenient design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced levels
Get the Tennis Training Ball with String on Amazon.
Penn Championship tennis balls are one of the best options to use during training sessions or training matches. They are pressurized, so you can count on them to deliver an amazing performance fit for champions. They offer an excellent bounce and can easily create some serious speed on the court. It is very easy to keep pace and establish a good rhythm, which mimics a real game intensity.
The Penn balls are lightweight, so generating spin during the playtest was effortless. What sets these balls apart from their competition is the surprising durability, which is not a feature you expect from pressurized tennis balls.
They are made of interlocked wool fiber which makes the outwear highly resistant and suitable to play on all court surfaces. The natural rubber material does a great job of reducing shock and improving the feel. These practice tennis balls are very comfortable to play with and can be a great choice for players that are recovering from injuries or tennis elbow.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressurized
- Surface type: All courts
- The number of balls: 3
Pros
- Best pressurized option
- High speed and speed
- Consistent bounce
- Enhanced durability
- Great for a training match
Cons
- Costly
Get the Penn Championship Tennis Balls on Amazon.
The Springen 3-pack tennis balls are designed for easy practice. They can be a great choice to master your skills while also having a lot of fun playing tennis. These are pressureless balls and are designed with a built-in string.
It’s not necessary to constantly pick up the balls; you just need to tie the ball to the base by using the rubber hand. It’s easy and convenient once you get the hang of it. They are lightweight and offer excellent playability. The Springen balls are not very fast, but they are consistent, and keeping a descending pace is effortless. The balls are made of high-quality rubber and are fit for all kinds of courts, as they can resist well abrasions, even on hard surfaces.
These balls come in packs of three at a reasonable price, which is a great bonus. They are suitable mostly for beginners and intermediate levels, while the advanced players will feel like they lack performance due to the low bounce and spin.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressureless
- Surface type: All courts
- The number of balls: 3
Pros
- Easy playability
- Beginner friendly
- Consistent
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Slow speed
- Low bounce
Get the Springen 3 Pack Tennis Balls on Amazon.
If none of these best tennis balls for practice hasn’t convinced you yet, it’s time also to consider Swity Home tennis balls. They come in packs of twelve, and each ball has a 2.5 inches diameter. They are made of rubber material and are highly durable.
These long-lasting tennis balls offer a nice bounce and easy playability. They are probably the most versatile option we have on this list, as they can be used in various ways. Are suitable for a wide range of beginners and early intermediates but also can be good enough to play with your little children, pets, or even at therapy massages.
These Swity balls are durable and don’t tear easily, meaning they’ll last you for a long time. The price is reasonably cheap, while every penny will be worth spending, as they do provide good value for money.
Product Specs
- Type: Pressureless
- Surface type: All court
- The number of balls: 12
Pros
- Good bounce
- Durable
- Affordable price
- Safe materials for kids and pets
Cons
- Not suitable for intermediate or advanced levels.
Get the Swity Home Tennis Balls on Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tennis Balls for Practice
We understand it is tempting just to pick the training tennis balls your favorite tennis star or your best friend at practice is using at the time, but this is the worst decision you can take. While it might work wonders for them, you need to stick to your own needs in court before making a purchase.
The best tennis balls for training have some features in common, which you should consider beforehand. Let’s take a look.
Pressurized vs. Pressureless Tennis Balls
Usually, the first choice you have to consider when picking up tennis balls is whether you’ll want them to be pressurized or pressureless. There is a big difference between them, in performance and price, so it’s something you should think carefully through.
Pressurized tennis balls are made of rubber and, as the name suggests, are filled with pressurized gas inside. They are used in professional matches but can also be a good option for training sessions, especially if you are trying to simulate a real game. However, they are expensive and have a short lifespan; and there is little you can do about it.
Some of the main features of pressurized balls include:
- High bounce: the internal pressure makes the ball bounce higher on the court and offers a lively feeling when it comes in contact with the racket. However, this feature is short-lived because pressurized balls start leaking gas the moment they get out of the can.
- Heavy spin: a pressurized ball is incredibly lightweight, which makes it easier for the player to generate massive spin throughout the game.
- More speed: considering the high bounce and the lightweight, it’s easy to make a pressurized ball “fly” across the court by generating crazy speed.
On the other hand, pressureless tennis balls are made of heavier and thicker fabrics, usually rubber, and have a solid core. They tend to feel “dead” right from the beginning, which is not the best experience; however, they do soften with time.
Some of their main attributes are:
- Less…everything: Yeap! Pressureless balls have a significantly lower bounce, speed, and spin. The feeling is not the best, and it requires much more force to hit the ball. It doesn’t sound great, but these disadvantages can push the player to learn and perform better. Pressureless tennis balls come cheap, making them the best tennis balls for practice.
- Durability: there is a reason why these are called “the eternal balls.” As long as you take good care of them, the pressureless balls will last you for a really long time.
- Cheap price: pressureless balls usually come at very affordable prices, which is great, especially if you are on a tight budget.
Type of Surface
The lifespan of a tennis ball and its playability can dramatically change depending on the type of surface you play on. That’s why it’s important to always look up this factor before making a purchase, which will save you a lot of money and time.
If, for example, you choose to play with a regular ball on a hard court, most likely, your ball will underperform and wear out quickly.
To avoid this, make sure to choose the right type of ball depending on the court’s surface:
- Extra duty balls: are used in hard concrete courts because they are way more durable and resistant.
- Regular duty: are used on clay or grass surfaces, or even for inside courts, since they tend to be softer.
Durability
You want your tennis practice ball to last as long as possible and resist abrasions without losing its main features. This is only possible if you opt out for the most durable tennis balls, which can take a hit without breaking down or needing fast replacements. As mentioned above, pressureless balls are the most durable ones.
You should always look up the brand and the ball’s technicalities, as these can also be telling factors in determining durability. Not to mention that choosing durable tennis balls will save a lot of money in the long run so that you can spend that money on other tennis equipment.
How We Chose the Best Tennis Balls for Practice
To pick up the best tennis balls for practice, we went through a rigorous process, as we usually do. First, we dived deep into market research, picking up the best-rated options while also analyzing the consumers’ feedback. Then, to ensure we provide our readers with truthful reviews, we decided to purchase a bunch of practice balls that passed the first phase and test them out.
I tested them during my daily training session. I was able to curate this list based on a selection of a few important factors important, such as performance, playability, durability, technicalities, price, etc. We decided to include various categories that would apply to a wide range of players so that everybody can find something that meets their needs.
Our Verdict
While there are many great options on this list, our top favorite pick is the Gamma Sports Pressureless tennis balls. These balls deliver everything a player needs for a good session of practice; playability, good bounce, and consistency. They are very durable too and come at a great price.
Another good option during practice is the Penn Championship tennis balls, especially if you are serious about the game. These practice tennis balls offer a good blend of everything you can wish for to simulate a real game; high performance, bounce, spin, and speed. They are also quite durable and resistant even to hard court surfaces.
FAQs
At this point, we have looked at different types of tennis balls that can affect your training session performance, discussed how to choose good tennis balls for practice, and provided a range of examples that we consider to be some of the best tennis balls for practice. Though this information will have answered many questions, some of a general nature are addressed below.
Q: What is the difference between practice tennis balls and regular tennis balls?
The main difference between practice tennis balls and regular tennis balls is that practice tennis balls are designed to last longer. This is due to the fact that they generally have a thicker outer layer and don’t compress as much as regular tennis balls when hit.
You are likely to hit the ball more often during practice sessions than during an actual match. As a result, practice tennis balls need to be more durable in order to withstand this higher level of play. In addition, practice tennis balls are usually cheaper than regular tennis balls, as they don’t need to meet the same high standards in terms of quality and performance.
Q: Are pressureless tennis balls good for practice?
Pressureless tennis balls are a good option for practice, as they don’t lose their bounce as quickly as regular tennis balls. This means that you can hit them more times without having to replace them as often. In addition, pressureless tennis balls are less likely to cause injuries, as they don’t compress as much when hit.
Q: What tennis balls do coaches use?
As a tennis coach myself, I can say that the kind of tennis balls we use during coaching sessions depends on the level of the players. If we are working with beginners, we usually go for lower compression balls or even pressureless balls as they are easier to control. For more advanced players, we use the best tennis balls as they need to get used to the speed and bounce of a real game.
Q: What tennis balls should a beginner use?
A beginner should use tennis balls that have low compression. Low compression balls will be easier to hit and will help you develop your swing.
When looking for tennis balls, you’ll want to find those that are labeled “low compression.” This will ensure that the ball is easy to hit and won’t cause too much strain on your arm. As you progress in your game and start hitting the ball harder, you can then switch to higher compression balls.
