THE SINGLES GAME

THE BALL

Balls that are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis must comply with the following specifications:

a. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric cover and shall be white or yellow in colour. If there are any seams they shall be stitchless.

b. The ball shall conform to the requirements specified in Appendix I (Regulations for making tests specified in Rule 3) Section iv for size and be more than 1.975 ounces (56.0 grams) and less than 2.095 ounces (59.4 grams) in weight.

c. More than one type of ball is specified. Each ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32cm) when dropped 100 inches (254.00cm) upon a flat, rigid surface e.g. concrete. Ball Type 1 (fast speed) shall have a forward deformation of more than .195 inches (.495 cm) and less than .235 inches (.597 cm) and return deformation of more than .295 inches (.749 cm) and less than .380 inches (.965 cm) at 18 lb. (8.165kg) load. Ball Types 2 (medium speed) and 3 (slow speed) shall have a forward deformation of more than .220 inches (.559cm) and less than .290 inches (.737cm) and return deformation of more than .315 inches (.800cm) and less than .425 inches (1.080cm) at 18 lb. (8.165kg) load. The two deformation figures shall be the averages of three individual readings along three axes of the ball and no two individual readings shall differ by more than .030 inches (.076cm) in each case.

d. For play above 4,000 feet (1219m) in altitude above sea level, two additional types of ball may be used.

i. The first type is identical to Ball Type 2 (medium speed) as defined above except that the ball shall have a bound of more than 48 inches (121.92cm) and less than 53 inches (134.62cm) and shall have an internal pressure that is greater than the external pressure. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a pressurised ball.

ii. The second type is identical to Ball Type 2 (medium speed) as defined above except that the ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32cm) and shall have an internal pressure that is approximately equal to the external pressure and have been acclimatised for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a zero-pressure or non-pressurised ball.

The third type of ball which is recommended for use for play on any court surface type above 4,000 feet (1219 m) in altitude is the Ball Type 3 (slow speed), as defined above.

e. All tests for bound, size and deformation shall be made in accordance with the regulations in Appendix I.

f. The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any ball or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III).

Note 1:

Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of Tennis, must be named on the official ITF list of approved balls issued by the International Tennis Federation.

Case 1:	Which ball type should be used on which court surface?
Decision.	3 different types of ball are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, however: a. Ball Type 1 (fast speed) is intended for play on slow pace court surfaces (see Appendix I). b. Ball Type 2 (medium speed) is intended for play on medium/medium-fast pace court surfaces (see Appendix I). c. Ball Type 3 (slow speed) is intended for play on fast pace court surfaces (see Appendix I).