Deciding on the Right Table Tennis Equipment

Table tennis is played using only a tennis table, a ping-pong ball, and paddles. When you have all 4 of these equipments, then you and your competitor are all set to play. It's that simple. But, of course, there are certain standards that have been devised to administer the equipments used in Olympic level matches and this include balls, rackets/paddles, and tennis tables.

The Ping Pong Table

The officially accepted size for the table tennis playing surface is 9 feet long and five feet wide and should be around 30 inches off the ground. These tables are usually made out of either Masonite or some kind of manufactured wood and usually painted with low-friction coating. The tennis table's surface color is usually neutral like blue or green which makes the balls easier to see during play.

Like most table games, the table is divided into halves. However, the table tennis surface is divided into four sections with the table being bisected lengthwise and widthwise. Across the center of the table is the net which should be six inches tall and tense like the net you'd find on an actual tennis court. The white lines around the perimeter of the table help players know where to serve and when the ball is out of bounds. In many ways, the ping pong table surface closely resembles that of a standard tennis court.

The Table Tennis Balls

Of course, you need more than just a table. You also need the ping-pong balls, which are made of celluloid material. Each ball must be 40mm in diameter and must weigh 2.7 grams. Obviously, they aren't very large. These balls are usually painted yellow or white to make them more visible.

Ping Pong Rackets

Table tennis rackets go by several different names so a racket, a bat, a blade, or a paddle all means the same thing. The term "Racket" however, is the official term used by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Rackets are made of laminated wood. More expensive rackets include other elements made from high-tech elements such as fiberglass and titanium.

You can find a wide range of rubber sheets that are placed on the ping pong rackets to affect your overall performance during a game. Each sheet can make changes, such as causing the ball not to spin during a hit or which can even increase the ball's spin rate. These sheets are a good choice for serious players but you don't need them to enjoy a few casual rounds of table tennis at home or with your friends.

Now that you know some fundamental information about the equipment used in table tennis, it won't be confusing and tasking on your part when it is time to choose an equipment to use for a match or even a competition. If you are still unsure of what to get, you can always go ahead and ask for feedback from professional table tennis players.

At the end of the day, you have to choose the equipment that fits your needs the best and that includes thinking about your budget. If you're not going to be playing in tournaments, don't spend a fortune on getting tournament-appropriate gear. Instead, get the items that will help you get started quickly with your first great game of table tennis in your home or game room.