| Specifications |
Tennis balls have been developed to increase the speed at which beginner and recreational children and adult players learn the game, which thus enhances their enjoyment of tennis. This has been achieved by the manufacture of tennis balls which are designed to be 'slower' and which therefore allow greater opportunity for players to rally.
Three such groups of balls have been introduced: Stage 3 (red), Stage 2 (orange) and Stage 1 (green).
On 1 July 2010 the specifications for Stage 3 (red) and Stage 2 (orange) standard construction balls changed and new specifications were introduced for moulded foam and cut foam Stage 3 (red) balls (see Table B1 below).
Following a period of consultation with tennis ball manufacturers, some of these specifications will be revised from 1 January 2011.
However, a period of grace will be in place until 31 May 2011, during which the existing specifications (Table B1) are valid to obtain ITF Ball Approval:
Table B1: Existing specifications - valid from 1 July 2010 to 31 May 2011
| | Standard Construction | Foam Construction | | Stage 1 (green) | Stage 2 (orange) | Stage 3 (red) | Stage 3 (red) | | Size | 6.30-6.86 cm
(2.48-2.70 inches) | 6.00-6.86 cm
(2.36-2.70 inches) | 7.00-8.00 cm
(2.76-3.15 inches) | 8.00-9.00 cm
(3.15-3.54 inches) | | Mass | 47.0-51.5 grams | 36.0-46.9 grams | 36.0-46.9 grams | 25.0-43.0 grams | | Rebound height | 118-132 cm
(46-52 inches) | 102-115 cm
(40-45 inches) | 85-100 cm
(33-39 inches) | 85-105 cm
(33-41 inches) | | Forward deformation | 0.80-1.05 cm
(0.315-0.413 inches) | 1.40–1.65 cm
(0.551-0.650 inches) | ------- | ------- |
As of 1 June 2011, the existing specifications will cease to be valid, and all balls submitted for approval must conform to the specifications described in Table B2 below (changes shown in red).
Table B2: New specifications - effective from 1 January 2011
| | Standard Construction | Foam Construction | | Stage 1 (green) | Stage 2 (orange) | Stage 3 (red) | Stage 3 (red) | | Size | 6.30-6.86 cm
(2.48-2.70 inches) | 6.00-6.86 cm
(2.36-2.70 inches) | 7.00-8.00 cm
(2.76-3.15 inches) | 8.00-9.00 cm
(3.15-3.54 inches) | | Mass | 47.0-51.5 grams | 36.0-46.9 grams | 36.0-49.0 grams | 25.0-43.0 grams | | Rebound height | 120-135 cm
(47-53 inches) | 105-120 cm
(41-47 inches) | 90-105 cm
(35-41 inches) | 85-105 cm
(33-41 inches) | | Forward deformation | 0.80-1.05 cm
(0.315-0.413 inches) | 1.40–1.65 cm
(0.551-0.650 inches) | ------- | ------- |
Notes:
There is currently no specification for return deformation.
There is currently no limit on the difference between individual forward deformation readings.
These specifications are subject to review and may be changed at any time.
All tests for size, mass, rebound height and forward deformation should be carried out in accordance with the official procedures described in Appendix I of the Rules of Tennis.
There are 2 sub-categories of Stage 3 (red) ball:
1. Standard construction.
2. Cut or moulded foam.
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