My local community center just switched from outdoor balls to indoor balls and the game feels totally different now. I thought a ball was a ball but these play so much slower. Is there a big difference or am i just not used to them? Also which type is better for a beginner to practice with?
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Huge difference actually. Indoor balls have bigger holes and are softer, so they dont travel as fast or bounce as high. Outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes - they cut through wind better and play faster. Totally different feel.
that explains so much. i kept hitting long because i was expecting them to go further
For beginners id actually recommend starting with indoor balls. The slower pace gives you more time to react and set up your shots. Less frustrating when youre learning. Then when you switch to outdoor your reflexes will be even sharper.
The other difference is durability. Outdoor balls crack way faster, especially in cold weather. Indoor balls last forever in comparison. If youre practicing a lot, indoor balls save money.
this. i was going through outdoor balls like crazy until someone told me to practice inside with indoor balls
Pro tip: practice with whatever youll be competing with. If your local tournaments use outdoor balls, get used to outdoor. The muscle memory is different between the two. I practiced all winter with indoor balls and it took me weeks to adjust when outdoor season started.
learned this the hard way last spring. played all winter indoors with those soft franklin balls. first outdoor tournament my timing was completely off for the first three games. now i force myself to practice with outdoor balls even inside