Tennis Balls
A can of three premium quality balls costs $2.50 to $8.00 at some specialty or pro shops. A mass merchandiser or sporting goods store sells them for less. Three dollars is an average price.
Save a little more by buying a packet of three or four cans of tennis balls. Typical prices are $15 for six cans and $20 for eight cans—or about $2.50 per can. Teachers and coaches sometimes buy used tennis balls from club professionals after tournaments.
Even if you are a beginner, buy the best tennis balls available. Wilson and Penn are two of the more prominent companies that make quality tennis balls. Look for information on the container indicating that the balls are used for “Championship Play” and have been approved by the United States Tennis Association or the International Tennis Federation.
Most balls are packaged in clear plastic containers under pressure. If the pressure has not been maintained and the balls are soft when the can is opened, return it to the dealer for a refund or a new can.
Three balls may last two or three outings for beginners and some intermediates, but after that they will begin to lose their pressure and bounce, or the felt will begin to wear off. When that happens, use them for practice only. Extend the life of balls by keeping them in the original container and by storing them in a cool place.
Ask for extra-duty balls if you are going to play on hard surfaces. Regular (championship) balls are used on softer surfaces because they don’t wear as quickly. Tennis balls sold for play in high altitudes should be designated as high-altitude balls. Don’t take heavy-duty or championship balls with you on a vacation to a high-altitude city. Buy them when you get there.
Tennis: Steps to Success Jim Brown,Camille Soulier