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Padel was invented in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico by Enrique Corcuera. At the time, players simply used regular pressurised tennis balls, since no padel-specific balls existed.
As padel spread into Spain and Argentina in the 1970s, tennis balls continued to be the norm.
Adapting to Padel (1980s–1990s)
Clubs noticed that tennis balls were too lively for padel’s enclosed courts. The bounce was too high, which disrupted rallies and made the game less controlled.
Manufacturers began experimenting with slightly less pressurised balls and different felt blends to suit padel’s style of play.
By the late 1990s, brands like Dunlop and Head started producing balls marketed specifically for padel, though they were still close to tennis balls in construction.
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As padel’s popularity surged in Spain, Argentina, and Europe, the need for a regulated, consistent ball grew.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) began setting standards:
Size: 6.35–6.77 cm diameter (same as tennis)
Weight: 56–59.5 g (same as tennis)
Bounce: slightly lower than tennis balls (135–145 cm drop test, vs. 135–147 cm for tennis)
This made padel balls essentially “tennis balls with tweaks” — lower pressure, stronger felt, and more durability for glass-wall rebounds.
Leading brands like Dunlop, Head, Bullpadel, and Wilson introduced official padel balls approved for tournaments.
Modern Era (2010s–Today)
With the rise of the World Padel Tour (2013 onwards), padel balls became highly specialised:
Faster balls for humid or coastal conditions (retain speed despite heavy air).
Slower, more durable balls for hot, dry climates (to avoid rallies ending too quickly).
Today, the main innovation is in felt technology, pressurisation, and durability, since players demand both speed and longevity.
