How to Put Tennis Balls on a Walker (And Why People Do It)

Walkers are essential mobility aids for many older adults and people recovering from injuries. They provide stability and support, but sometimes the design can make them harder to use on certain surfaces. One of the most common DIY fixes is attaching tennis balls to the back legs of the walker. While this may seem like an odd choice at first, it actually has some surprising benefits. This article will break down why people do it, the pros and cons, step-by-step installation, alternative products, and important safety tips.

Why Do People Put Tennis Balls on Walkers?

The sight of neon green tennis balls on walkers is so common that it has almost become a cultural symbol. But there are practical reasons why this modification has become so popular. At its core, adding tennis balls is about making the walker easier and more comfortable to use.

Main Benefits

• Reduced Friction: Standard rubber walker tips can grip the floor too much, making the walker difficult to push forward. Tennis balls glide more smoothly across hard surfaces.
• Noise Reduction: Rubber tips often squeak or scrape on tile and hardwood. Tennis balls absorb sound, creating a quieter experience.
• Floor Protection: Dragging rubber tips across a wooden floor can leave marks or scratches. Tennis balls act as a buffer.
• Accessibility: Tennis balls are inexpensive, readily available, and don’t require special tools for installation. This makes them appealing to users who want a quick fix.
• Personalization: Some walker users decorate their tennis balls with patterns or colors, adding a touch of personality and fun.

Real-World Examples

Consider someone who lives in a home with smooth tile flooring. Each time they move their walker, it feels jerky and awkward, requiring extra effort. By attaching tennis balls, the walker glides rather than stutters, reducing strain on the arms and shoulders. For another user, the squeaking of rubber tips on hardwood might be irritating; however, tennis balls create a softer, almost silent movement.

The Psychological Factor

There’s also a psychological aspect. Walkers often carry a stigma of dependency or aging. By customizing them with colorful tennis balls, some users feel they have more control over their device’s look, making it less clinical.

Key Takeaway: People add tennis balls to walkers primarily to make movement smoother, quieter, and less damaging to floors, while also adding an affordable, customizable touch:

The Pros and Cons of Using Tennis Balls on Walkers

Like any modification, using tennis balls on walkers comes with trade-offs. While they provide immediate benefits, they also create potential issues that users should consider before committing to this DIY solution.

Advantages of Tennis Balls

• Cost-Effective: A single pair of tennis balls costs just a few dollars, compared to $20–$30 for walker glides.
• Quick DIY Fix: Installation requires nothing more than a sharp knife and a few minutes of your time.
• Smooth Gliding: The felt covering allows the walker to move easily across linoleum, tile, or hardwood.
• Noise Reduction: They reduce the sound of movement, especially in quiet environments such as libraries or assisted living facilities.
• Universal Fit: Unlike some walker accessories, tennis balls can fit most standard walker legs.

Disadvantages of Tennis Balls

• Hygiene Concerns: The felt material is easily susceptible to attracting dust, dirt, and bacteria, which can spread throughout the home.
• Durability Issues: Tennis balls wear out quickly, especially with heavy use or rough surfaces. They flatten, tear, or loosen within months.
• Safety Hazards: A worn-out tennis ball may slip off unexpectedly, creating a tripping risk.
• Limited Outdoor Use: Grass, gravel, or wet ground ruins the felt covering almost instantly.
• Not Medical-Grade: Unlike walker glides designed by manufacturers, tennis balls are not tested for safety or long-term performance.

Comparison Table

Balancing the Trade-Offs

For short-term or indoor-only use, tennis balls are convenient and effective. However, for users who rely heavily on their walkers or spend a lot of time outdoors, the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits. In such cases, walker-specific accessories provide greater safety and longevity.

Key Takeaway: Tennis balls are a budget-friendly, quick fix for walkers, but they come with hygiene, durability, and safety concerns that should not be overlooked:

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely Cut and Attach Tennis Balls

Although tennis balls are relatively easy to install, the process requires caution. A tennis ball is dense and tough, making it tricky to cut through without slipping. Safety should always come first.

Materials You’ll Need

• Two tennis balls (new or used, but not damaged)
• A sharp utility knife or box cutter
• Protective gloves
• A sturdy cutting surface, like a workbench or thick cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Place the tennis ball on a flat, non-slip surface to prevent it from rolling.
• Put on gloves to protect your hands from accidental slips.
• With the utility knife, carefully cut a 2-inch slit across the ball. Some people make an “X” shape instead of a straight cut for easier fitting.
• Hold the walker steady, then press the leg tip firmly into the slit.
• Twist and push until the ball fits snugly around the leg. It should feel secure without wobbling.

Repeat the process for the other side.

Safety Tips During Installation

• Never hold the ball in your hand while cutting. This can lead to deep injuries if the blade slips.
• Use slow, steady pressure instead of forcing the knife.
• Keep children and pets away during the process.
• If cutting feels unsafe, ask a caregiver or use pre-slit balls sold at medical supply stores.

After Installation

Check that the walker remains balanced. Walk a few steps on a smooth surface to test glide and stability. Replace immediately if a ball feels loose or unstable.

Key Takeaway: Installing tennis balls on a walker is simple but requires careful cutting and proper fitting to ensure safety and effectiveness:

Creative Alternatives to Tennis Balls for Walkers

While tennis balls are common, they are far from the only option. Manufacturers offer walker accessories specifically designed for smoother movement, better hygiene, and increased safety. These alternatives may cost more but provide longer-lasting results.

Popular Alternatives

• Walker Glides: Plastic or nylon caps that attach to the back legs. They are durable and designed to glide across floors without scratching.
• Walker Skis: Curved, ski-like attachments that slide effortlessly over carpets and uneven flooring.
• Reinforced Rubber Tips: Upgraded rubber caps that resist wear and reduce friction.
• Walker Wheels (front legs): Transform the walker into a rolling aid, reducing the need to lift or push.

Comparison Table

Why Alternatives May Be Better

Unlike tennis balls, these products are designed with safety in mind. They are tested for durability, easier to clean, and less likely to slip off unexpectedly. Many can also be adjusted to fit different walker models without DIY modifications.

Key Takeaway: While tennis balls are a quick, affordable solution, walker-specific accessories offer better durability, hygiene, and safety for long-term use:

Safety Tips and Expert Advice for Walker Users

Mobility aids are not just about convenience—they are about safety and independence. Even small modifications like tennis balls can affect balance and movement. That’s why it’s essential to approach them thoughtfully.

Safety Guidelines

• Inspect Frequently: Tennis balls wear down quickly. Replace them if they flatten, fray, or loosen.
• Use Indoors Only: Rough outdoor surfaces can tear felt and cause instability.
• Mind Your Posture: Smoother gliding can tempt users to lean forward too much, increasing fall risk.
• Keep Clean: Wash or replace frequently to reduce germs.
• Supervision: If a loved one is using a walker with tennis balls, check periodically for wear and tear.

Professional Recommendations

Physical and occupational therapists often suggest starting with walker-specific accessories instead of tennis balls, especially for long-term use. They emphasize that while tennis balls make walkers glide easily, they may not offer the same level of safety and hygiene benefits as products specifically designed for medical use.

When to Upgrade

If you rely heavily on your walker for daily mobility, upgrading to glides, skis, or wheels is worth considering. If you only need occasional assistance indoors, tennis balls may serve as a short-term fix.

Key Takeaway: Tennis balls can make walkers easier to use, but ongoing maintenance, proper posture, and professional guidance are essential for safe and effective mobility:

Conclusion

Adding tennis balls to a walker is a clever DIY hack that makes movement smoother, quieter, and more affordable. However, it’s not without downsides, including hygiene and durability concerns. By weighing the pros and cons, learning the proper installation method, and exploring alternatives, you can make the best choice for your mobility needs.

Tennis balls may be a quick fix, but for long-term use, walker-specific glides or skis are often safer and more reliable.

FAQs

Do all walkers need tennis balls?

No. Many walkers already come with wheels or glides. Tennis balls are just an optional add-on.

How often should I replace tennis balls on a walker?

Usually, every few months, depending on usage and flooring type.

Are tennis balls safe for outdoor use on walkers?

Not recommended—they wear out quickly on rough surfaces.

Can I buy pre-cut tennis balls for walkers?

Yes, some medical supply stores sell them pre-slit for easy installation.

What’s better: tennis balls or walker glides?

Walker glides are safer and more durable, but tennis balls are cheaper and easier to replace.

Additional Resources