Let’s face it– your tennis ball is starting to look a little sad. Sunbleached, well-worn, and starting to crack at the rubber, it might be time to replace it. But how often should you really be looking for a new ball? And how long can you keep playing with your old one before it’s unusable?

Are You A Recreational or Competitive Player?

Recreational players have different needs than competitive players, and nowhere is that clearer than in your tennis balls! As a recreational player, you’ll use your ball far less often and often for less time than a competitive player will on the court. Therefore, if you play tennis recreationally and NOT competitively, you will be able to go longer without replacing your tennis ball. A pressurized tennis ball will typically last between one to four weeks without needing to be replaced during recreational play.

What Court Are You Playing On?

The surface of your court can do a lot of things to your tennis ball, which is why it factors in when you need to replace your ball. If you play on a concrete or asphalt court, your balls are going to need to be replaced more often, because the surface is more abrasive and can wear down the rubber faster. However, if you’re playing on a softer court– even if it is just clay– your balls will last longer, and you’ll be able to go longer without getting a new one.

Do You Use A Pressurized Tennis Ball?

You can purchase tennis balls in two ways: pressurized or pressureless. Pressurized are the most common type of tennis ball, and they’re very bouncy. Pressurized tennis balls need to be replaced more often. Pressureless tennis balls are heavier, thicker, and often used for practice sessions but not competitions. Pressureless tennis balls last longer before losing their bounce.

Does Your Tennis Ball Need To Be Replaced?

It doesn’t take long to realize that you might need to start playing with a new tennis ball. If your ball is losing its bounce, think about the last time you replaced it. If you’ve been working on a competitive, heavy play for longer than a week, you probably need to replace it!