How Much Does a Tennis Ball Weigh?
Contents
We all know that tennis balls are small, but just how small are they? And how much do they weigh? Let’s take a look at the size and weight of a tennis ball so you can get a better idea of just how little these things are.
Introduction
A tennis ball weighs 2.9 to 3.4 ounces, which is about 81 to 96 grams. The balls used in regulation play are between 2.57 and 2.70 inches in diameter and have a weight of 2.625 ounces or 73.4 grams. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) regulates the size and weight of tennis balls.
The History of the Tennis Ball
The tennis ball has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a leather-covered ball stuffed with feathers. Today’s balls are made of rubber and felt and are used in a variety of different sports, not just tennis. But how much does a tennis ball weigh?
The weight of a tennis ball is regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the governing body for the sport of tennis. The ITF sets the weight of a regulation tennis ball at between 56.0 and 59.4 grams (2.0 and 2.1 ounces). The balls must also have a diameter of between 6.54 and 6.86 centimeters (2.57 and 2.70 inches).
Tennis balls are usually made of rubber or synthetic rubber, with a felt or other fabric covering. Thefelt helps to reduce bounce and increase spin, while the fabric cover protects the ball from wear and tear. The core of the ball is usually made from cork, rubber, or synthetic materials such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).
The first recorded use of a predecessor to the modern tennis ball was in 12th-century France, where players used leather balls filled with feathers or horsehair. By the 16th century, players in Spain were using wooden balls covered in leather or gutta-percha, a natural latex material derived from sap from tropical trees.
It wasn’t until 1875 that the modern game of tennis was invented by Major Walter Wingfield, who also introduced the first set of rules for the game. Wingfield’s game was played with gutta-percha balls covered in cloth, which were very similar to today’s tennis balls.
The Materials Used in Tennis Balls
Tennis balls are made of either rubber or synthetic rubber. The three main parts of a tennis ball are the core, the felt, and the cover.
The core of a tennis ball is made of either solid rubber or hollow rubber. The core is what gives the ball its bounce. If the core is too large, it will not bounce as well. If it is too small, it will not bounce as high. The size of the core is regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The weight of the core should be between 2.57 and 2.70 ounces (73 and 76 grams).
The felt on a tennis ball is made from either wool or nylon. The fibers are tightly packed together so that they do not come apart easily. The felt helps to absorb some of the shock when the ball hits the ground and also makes the ball less bouncy so that it does not travel as fast.
The cover on a tennis ball is made from either natural rubber or synthetic rubber. It is also covered with felt so that it does not come apart easily. The cover helps to protect the inner parts of the ball from damage and also makes the ball less bouncy so that it does not travel as fast.
How Much Does a Tennis Ball Weigh?
Tennis balls must weigh between 2.575 ounces and 2.875 ounces. They cannot be any heavier or any lighter than this, otherwise they will not be approved for use in official matches. The weight of a tennis ball is measured in grams and typically falls between 45 and 50 grams.
The Different Types of Tennis Balls
There are three different types of tennis balls. The first type is for professional competitive play. These balls are usually white and have a diameter of 2.57 inches. They are also the heaviest type of tennis ball, weighing between 56 and 59 grams. The second type of tennis ball is for recreational play. These balls can be any color, but they are usually yellow or fluorescent green. They have a slightly smaller diameter than the competitive balls, measuring 2.54 inches. Recreational balls also weigh slightly less than competitive balls, between 50 and 54 grams. The third and final type of tennis ball is the practice ball. These balls are usually blue or orange and have a diameter of 2.36 inches. They weigh the least out of the three types, between 42 and 46 grams.
Conclusion
Tennis balls must weigh between 2.575 ounces and 2.875 ounces. They also must have a diameter of 2.568 inches and 3.149 inches, and they cannot be anymore than 4.134 inches in circumference.
