How do the red, orange and green balls differ?
Rule- South Africa
- Tennis South Africa
- ITF Rules of Tennis
- 10 and under
- Red, orange and green ball
- 2026
- Parents
Each stage uses a lighter, lower-bouncing ball than a normal yellow ball. ITF specifications (2026 Rules of Tennis, Appendix I):
| Ball | Weight | Size | Bounce (rebound) | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red, foam | 25.0 to 43.0 g | 8.0 to 9.0 cm | 85 to 105 cm | Any |
| Red, standard (felt) | 36.0 to 49.0 g | 7.0 to 8.0 cm | 90 to 105 cm | Red and yellow, or yellow with a red dot |
| Orange | 36.0 to 46.9 g | 6.0 to 6.86 cm | 105 to 120 cm | Orange and yellow, or yellow with an orange dot |
| Green | 47.0 to 51.5 g | 6.3 to 6.86 cm | 120 to 135 cm | Yellow with a green dot |
For comparison, a standard yellow ball weighs 56.0 to 59.4 g and bounces 135 to 151 cm.
The red foam ball is the only tennis ball allowed without a fabric (felt) cover.
Updated 22 Oct 2026