Not all tennis balls are created equal. Extra-duty balls with thicker felt are designed for hard courts, where abrasion is the main enemy, while regular-duty balls with a finer felt weave perform best on clay, keeping dirt from clogging the surface.

Grass courts sit in between: they favor balls with a waterproof felt that resists taking on moisture. Pressure also matters — pressurized balls deliver a livelier bounce for match play, while pressureless balls keep their bounce for practice baskets over many sessions.

When in doubt, follow the court manufacturer recommendation printed on most ball cans, and always test one sleeve during a training session before committing to a full-season order.

Not all tennis balls are created equal. Extra-duty balls with thicker felt are designed for hard courts, where abrasion is the main enemy, while regular-duty balls with a finer felt weave perform best on clay, keeping dirt from clogging the surface.

Grass courts sit in between: they favor balls with a waterproof felt that resists taking on moisture. Pressure also matters — pressurized balls deliver a livelier bounce for match play, while pressureless balls keep their bounce for practice baskets over many sessions.

When in doubt, follow the court manufacturer recommendation printed on most ball cans, and always test one sleeve during a training session before committing to a full-season order.