Ball SPECIFICATIONS

The ITF believes that getting starter players to play the game (serving, rallying and scoring) from the first lesson is vital in ensuring a positive experience. This is made possible by using a slower ball.

Using a slower ball is the key to success for starter players both young and old as it gives more time, a lower bounce and is easier to control. By using slower balls, starter players are able to serve, rally and score from the first lesson.

The ITF endorses a three-tier progression of balls  - red, orange and green, to denote different speeds of flight and bounce. A range of red, orange and green balls has been approved by the ITF and are increasingly being made available around the world.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR STAGE 1, 2 AND 3 TENNIS BALLS

Tennis balls have been developed to increase the speed at which beginner and recreational children and adult players learn the game, which thus enhances their enjoyment of tennis. This has been achieved by the manufacture of tennis balls which are designed to be ‘slower’ and which therefore allow greater opportunity for players to rally.

Three such groups of balls have been introduced:  Stage 3 (red), Stage 2 (orange) and Stage 1 (green). Specifications for the Stage 2 and Stage 1 balls are shown in the table below.

 

Introductory balls Standard ball Stage 3   (Red) Stage 2  (Orange) Stage 1 (Green) Type 2 - Normal Ball Size 2.72 - 3.15 inches 6.90 - 8.00 cm 2.362 - 2.700 inches 6.000 - 6.858 cm 2.480 - 2.700 inches 6.300 - 6.858 cm 2.575 - 2.700 inches Mass 32.0 - 42.0 grams 36.0 - 46.9 grams 47.0 - 51.5 grams 56.0 - 59.4 grams Rebound height 37.4 - 43.3 inches (0.95 - 1.10 m) 39.4 - 45.3 inches (1.000 - 1.150 m) 46.5 - 52.0 inches (1.180 - 1.320 m) 53.0 - 58.0 inches (1.346 - 1.473 m) Compression None 0.551 - 0.650 inches (1.400 - 1.650 cm) 0.315 - 0.413 inches (0.800 - 1.050 cm) 0.220 - 0.290 inches (0.559 - 0.737 cm)

Note: Stage 3 cut foam and moulded foam balls will continue to be approved using play tests.

Notes:
There is currently no specification for return deformation.
There is currently no limit on the difference between individual forward deformation readings.

All tests for size, mass, rebound height and forward deformation should be carried out in accordance with the official procedures described in Appendix I of the Rules of Tennis.

There are 3 sub-categories of Stage 3 (red) ball:

1: Standard construction.

2: Cut foam.

3: Moulded foam.

During 2007, the ITF intends to introduce specifications for Stage 3 balls.  Due to the high compressibility of Stage 3 balls, this will be limited to size, mass and rebound in the first instance.  Thus, the approval of balls in the Stage 3 (red) category will be supplemented through play testing by a panel of experts, annually in December.

Click on the image of the ITF Approved Tennis Balls & Classified Court Surfaces booklet to view the PDF version.

Information regarding ITF Approval of Stage 3 Red, Stage 2 Orange and Stage 1 Green tennis balls can be obtained from the ITF Technical Centre by email to: technical@itftennis.com