Do You Prefer Indoor or Outdoor Pickleball?


The majority of pickleball players prefer one over the other.

There are pros and cons to each.

We will cover those issues here.

Pickleball began as an outdoor sport. 

However, in many geographic areas of the United States, it is too cold to play outside during several months of the year.

So, as the sport became more and more popular, it was understandable that players wanted to be able to play year round. 

Therefore, indoor pickleball became a thing.


Here are the pros of indoor pickleball:


 1.  Temperature controlled environment. 

 2.  No wind.

 3.  Often, the playing surface is easier on your body.

 4.  No issues with the sun.

 5.  No sunscreen required.


Here are the cons of indoor pickleball:


 1.  Often, there are multiple lines on the court for other sports.

 2.  There may be a glare from the floor, walls, or ceiling.

 3.  It tends to be loud.

 4.  Facilities often require shoes designed for indoor courts.

 5.  The ball reacts differently on the indoor surface. 


The balls are also different between indoor and outdoor pickleball.

The outdoor balls are made of a harder plastic.  They typically have 40 holes. 

Indoor balls typically have 26 holes, and the hole diameter is 40% larger than on the outdoor balls.

The indoor balls are also not as hard. 

The outdoor balls may crack more quickly because they are harder. 

Again, players tend to strongly prefer one type of pickleball venue over the other.

I started playing pickleball indoors.  However, once I played outdoors, I liked it better.  I enjoy being out in the sun.  The only exception for me is when it is extremely hot and oppressively humid.  Then, I'm not too happy! 

Which do you prefer?

Indoor?

Outdoor?

I must say, it sure is nice to play year round!

Ben Holt
​CEO, Pickleball Living