Match Balls vs Training Balls: Which Table Tennis Balls to Buy
Stars, ITTF approval, 40+, seams and pack sizes explained for players, coaches and club secretaries

Match balls vs training balls: what's the difference?

Match balls are 3-star balls made to tight tolerances, and the ones used in sanctioned competition must carry ITTF approval. Training balls are cheaper and made to looser tolerances. They are ideal for drills, multiball and coaching, where you need plenty of balls and small variations in bounce matter less.

What makes a ball "match" quality?

The Laws of Table Tennis require a ball to be spherical, 40 mm in diameter and 2.7 g in weight, made of celluloid or a similar plastic, and white or orange with a matt finish (ITTF Technical Leaflet T3). For approval, balls are tested against set ranges (Nittaku ball guide):

  • Weight: 2.67–2.77 g
  • Diameter: 40.00–40.60 mm
  • Bounce: 240–265 mm when dropped from 305 mm

Approval is not a one-off. The ITTF buys approved balls through normal retail channels to check that they still meet the standard (source). The current list of approved balls is published on the ITTF equipment site.

What do the stars mean?

Stars are the manufacturer's own quality grade, not an ITTF rating. Under T3, a ball graded with numbers cannot be marked higher than 3 ("Three Star"). An approved ball's stamp must also show the ITTF approval, the brand, where it was made and, for non-celluloid balls, "40+".

So 3 stars is the top grade a ball can carry, but it does not automatically mean the ball is approved. Only balls that carry the ITTF mark and appear on the approved list count. If you are buying for a competition, check the list rather than relying on the star rating alone.

Training balls: when they make sense

Training balls work well whenever you go through a lot of balls and do not need match-grade consistency:

  • Multiball: a coach feeding balls quickly needs a large bucket, not a perfect bounce from every one.
  • Coaching sessions: group sessions and junior clubs get through balls quickly.
  • Beginners: new players are still learning the basic strokes, so a training ball is a sensible, economical choice.

1-star, 2-star, "training" and "coach" balls

Below 3 stars you will find 1-star and 2-star balls, plus ranges labelled "training" or "coach". These names are set by each manufacturer, so compare like with like within a brand. Some training ranges are graded 3 stars. That is the maker's grade and does not mean the ball is ITTF-approved. If a session will be followed by league matches, a few minutes' warm-up with your match ball helps you adjust to its bounce.

40+ plastic vs celluloid, and seamed vs seamless

Modern competition balls are plastic rather than celluloid, which is why their stamp includes "40+". When you buy match balls today, look for "40+" alongside the three stars and the ITTF mark.

Plastic balls come in two types. Seamed balls, such as the DHS D40+ 3***, are made from two halves joined together. Seamless balls, such as the Xiom Seamless 3***, are made without a joint. Both types appear on the ITTF approved list, so neither is "illegal". The practical choice is usually to match the ball your league or club plays with.

Outdoor balls

Standard indoor balls are light and are easily pushed around by wind. If you play outside, choose a ball sold specifically for outdoor use, such as the Joola Outdoor balls (6 pcs) or the 12-pack, and keep your good match balls for indoor play.

How many to buy

  • Individual players: packs of 3–12 match balls cover practice matches and spares for your bag.
  • Clubs and coaches: boxes of 72–144 balls are the practical size for multiball and training nights, with a separate supply of match balls for fixtures.

To compare value, divide the pack price on the product page by the number of balls. Prices change, so work this out on the day you order.

Our picks

Match balls (3-star)

The following balls appear on the ITTF approved ball list (2026 list, issued January 2026):

Also 3-star: the Nittaku SD *** 40+, 120 pcs, a bulk box for clubs. Check the stamp and the current list if you need it for sanctioned events.

Training balls

Outdoor balls

FAQ

What is the difference between match and training table tennis balls?

Match balls are 3-star balls made to tight tolerances for weight, size and bounce, and the ones used in competition carry ITTF approval. Training balls are cheaper with looser tolerances, so they suit drills, multiball and coaching.

Are 3-star balls ITTF approved?

Not automatically. Three stars is the highest grade a ball may be marked with, but only balls that carry the ITTF mark and appear on the ITTF approved list are approved. Check the stamp and the list.

What does 40+ mean on a ball?

"40+" marks a ball made from plastic rather than celluloid. ITTF rules require it on the stamp of approved non-celluloid balls, along with the ITTF approval, the brand and where the ball was made.

Can I use training balls in a league match?

Check your league or competition rules first, as they set which balls are allowed. ITTF events require approved balls, so if in doubt, use a 3-star ball that is on the ITTF approved list.

Seamed or seamless: which is better?

Neither is better by rule; both types appear on the ITTF approved list. The sensible choice is to practise with the type your league or club uses, so the ball you train with matches the ball you compete with.

How long does a 3-star ball last?

It depends on your level and how the ball is used. Harder hitting, frequent play and accidents such as being stood on all shorten its life. Replace a ball once it is cracked, dented or no longer bounces consistently.

What balls are best for multiball or coaching?

Bulk training boxes are best. The Joola Training 40+ (144), Donic Coach P40+ (120), Andro Poly 2S (72) and Yasaka Select 1 Star (120) give coaches plenty of balls at a sensible cost per ball.

Can I use indoor balls outside?

You can, but indoor balls are light and wind affects them heavily. For outdoor play, a dedicated outdoor ball such as Joola Outdoor is the better choice.

Stock up for the season

Match 3-star boxes and 100+ training packs, shipped from the UK. Browse our full range of table tennis balls.

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