How do you know if a tennis ball is bad?

Kristianne Bontempo | Towpath Tennis Employee | Online Shop Manager

We see it all the time. Whether you're a professional or just your average player, we are all prone to testing our tennis balls to see if they're any good. But what exactly are we looking for? How do we know when a good ball goes bad?

There are a number of ways on how to check for a faulty tennis ball. The following steps will help you determine whether you have a bouncy happy ball or a dead rock.

1. Check the can - Before you peel the metal lid, you should be able to squeeze the can and feel some resistance due to the trapped air-pressure. If there is a lot of give in the plastic, it might not be sealed properly therefore depleting the new ball of any decent pressure.

   

   good vs. bad

2. Open the can - It should make a 'pop' when you pull away the metal seal. No 'pop' = no air pressure. 
3. Inspect the ball - It should be neither too fuzzy nor too bald. A healthy ball will also have a bright yellow glow. 
4. Squeeze the ball - A ball that has gone bad will be as hard as a rock or extra squishy. A good ball will have some resistance and give.
5. Bounce the ball - You should be able to bounce a ball with little force only to have it bounce lightly back to you. If the ball barely lifts off from the ground, it has most likely flat-lined. 

If all else fails and you're still unsure whether your tennis balls are good, then hit the ball! A dead ball will not only feel heavy when you take a good whack at it, but it will also make a low unmistakable 'thud' when it hits the strings. 

All tennis balls are going to have different life cycles depending on the player, court surface, and surrounding environment. However, for the average player playing a couple times a week, the majority of balls will have a life span of 4-5 matches. If you're ever wondering what to do with your unwanted balls, we are always sorting through by setting aside the better half for lessons and drills, and giving those past their prime to dog lovers, schools, and anyone that doesn't mind what they're hitting with-just as long as they're hitting!

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