Table Tennis Equipment

Here is the list of Basic Table Tennis Equipment.

Ball

The table tennis ball is made in Plastic, with the +40 mm diameter (called 40+ Plastic ball). Celluilod ball is no longer used in table tennis. The ball’s weight is 2.7 gram. ITTF certificated 3 stars ball is used in official table tennis competition.

Blade

The blade is the main equipment in table tennis. The blade is made in wood that gives speed, spin to the ball. Chinese coaches emphasize on the blade, which decides 80% of your playing style. The blade should give you a good feeling and a clear vibration to your hand.

Rackets/Paddle

The racket or paddle is the most important equipment. It’s made by combining a blade and 2 rubbers: forehand rubber and backhand rubber.

Backhand Rubber

Backhand rubber is the rubber used on the backhand side. In general, the backhand rubber color is often red. Backhand rubber is often softer, but bouncier than forehand rubber.

Forehand Rubber

Forehand rubber is the rubber used on the forehand side. Forehand rubber has a black topsheet. Forehand rubber is harder, lower throw angle than the backhand rubber.

Table

The table is where the game is to be played on. It affects directly the bounce of the ball.  The table color, in general, are either green, blue or black.

Based on ITTF official rules, the Table Dimensions must be 2.73 m long, 1.525 m wide, and 0.76 m height.

The table can be made of any material. But it must satisfy that a 23 cm high bounce when a ball is dropped on it from a height of 30 cm.

Clothing

The 3 most important clothing in table tennis is Shirts, Shorts, and Shoes.

Shoes

Table tennis shoes are light and grippy footwear. Choose the right shoes not only help you move faster, but also prevent ankle injury (one of the most common injuries in table tennis). In table tennis, you need a lot of lateral move with the small steps. Choosing light shoes is crucial.