Beyond the Bounce: How Tennis Balls Are Made & Innovation with HEAD Penn

Beyond the Bounce: How Tennis Balls Are Made & Innovation with HEAD Penn

From Talk Tennis by Michelle Heidbrink, Tennis Warehouse

July 21, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 255

About this episode

This episode explores the manufacturing process of tennis balls and the technology behind the new Pro Penn Marathon+ ball.

Ever wondered how a tennis ball goes from raw materials to center court? 🎾 In this episode of the Talk Tennis Podcast, we sit down with Felix, an expert from HEAD Penn to uncover the fascinating process behind making one of the most important pieces of equipment in our sport. From the rubber core and felt covering to rigorous quality testing and durability, we explore what goes into every tennis ball and why not all balls play the same. We also take a closer look at the new Pro Penn Marathon+ ball, discussing the technology behind its improved longevity, consistent performance, and why it could be the ideal choice for players who want a premium ball that lasts. Whether you’re a gear junkie, league player, coach, or simply curious about what happens before the first serve, this episode will change the way you look at every tennis ball you open. 🎾 In this episode: How tennis balls are manufactured The science behind tennis ball performance What affects bounce, feel, and durability The technology behind the new Pro Penn Marathon+ Tips for choosing the right tennis ball for your game

People in this episode

Host: Michelle Heidbrink

Guest: Felix

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HEAD Penn

Products: Pro Penn Marathon+

More episodes of Talk Tennis

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Talk Tennis podcast page.