Deteriorating Pickleballs

Signs a Pickleball Is No Longer Good

1. Cracks or Splits

• #1 sign a ball is done.

• Even a small hairline crack affects bounce and trajectory.

• Some balls crack along the seam after a hard hit or cold-weather use.

2. Wobble or Flutter in the Air

• When the ball doesn't fly true or floats strangely, it's often warped or cracked.

• Try a soft serve or dink and watch for unnatural spin or "wobble."

3. Dead Bounce

• If the ball starts to bounce noticeably lower, it's lost its pop.

• Compare bounce to a new ball—drop both from shoulder height and see if there's a difference.

4. Soft Feel

• A worn-out ball can feel softer or squishier, especially outdoor balls that take a beating.

• Softer balls can be harder to control and don’t respond well off the paddle.

5. Unusual Sound

• A dead ball may make a duller, flatter sound instead of a crisp "pop."

• Hit a few dinks or volleys and listen for the difference.