Recently, there are some changes in table tennis equipment rules. Some players love this change, but others seem doesn’t like it.
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What rubber colors are allowed in table tennis before 2021?
As you know, since the beginning of table tennis, we use “black” and “red” as the two main colors for a table tennis racket. Nowadays, for the same brand, black rubber, and red rubber share the same playing characteristic. But some players can feel the difference between the black and the red one. There is a reason that the top Chinese players only use black rubber on their forehand side. And you often find the Red Tenergy rubber than the Black one.
I’ve explained the difference in playing characteristics between the red and the black racket. So today, we will ask a question “Which colors should I choose for my racket”? What is the new rule in table tennis equipment?
ITTF discussion for the color change
What is the reason that ITTF wants to apply the color change in table tennis equipment?
“The proposition passed can be a lot of colors as long as it’s not a problem with the color compared with the ball and reflection. There are still some restrictions on the color, and those colors have to be approved by the equipment department of ITTF,” said ITTF CEO Steve Dainton.
“There will still be some tight rules on that regarding reflection and brightness. In principle, it will be mainly black plus many other different types of colors. The proposition passed was to do it after the Tokyo Olympics, so there will be no difference for the Tokyo Olympic Games,”
New colors rule for racket after 2021
Here is the new official color rule for racket:
Instead of the current colors of black and red for rubbers, different colors of red can be used on one side, while the other should remain black.
The ITTF has approved 4 new colors of rubber which will be available for use from October 2021.
The 4 new confirmed colors are:
- Blue
- Green
- Pink
- Purple
The black color remains imposed on one side of the racket (normally on the forehand side) so that people with color blindness can clearly identify the two coatings. This is essential to properly identify the pimple or anti-topspin used by some players.
The Black-Red combination can still be used (black on the forehand side, and red on the backhand side).
Possible Yellow ball in table tennis after the Olympics Tokyo
The visual view of table tennis could undergo big changes after the Tokyo Olympics with the introduction of new colors for racket rubbers, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Thomas Weikert also offered to use yellow balls after the Tokyo Olympics.:
“This is just a resolution because we decide first to test the result with the yellow ball for the TV and the players, so it’s not a decision,” Weikert said.
So what is your opinion?
Do you find this change interesting, and necessary in table tennis?
Please comment below.
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So it doesn’t say yelow is allowed in your list (only blue, green, pink, purple) but you show tons of pictures of yellow? Can you clarify. Thanks.
The images on this page were poorly put together. To my knowledge, there will be no yellow rubber available. Only the four colors (blue, green, pink, & purple) will be available for ITTF official play. It’s also a safe bet that the official colors given will most likely not be the same hues of the rubber colors on this page. I personally see no need for this rule change. It won’t alter the play of the game. With that being said, I am looking forward to the change. Mostly because I believe that this should have been allowed anyway (as… Read more »
Thank you Thomas. I will update the article.
I’ll hazard a guess that the majority of “serious” players will see no reason, purpose or necessity for this change. Looks to me like just another revenue-generating exercise.
By the way, what exactly are supposed to be the advantages of these changes?
Do I have to use Black side on fh and red side on bh?
Can I use red side on fh and Black side on bh?
Of course.
There is no rule saying you have to use red or black on forehand or backhand, it is up to you, your choice of rubbers and playing style. The rubbers are different colour mainly for the opponent know which side is what rubber, and to know when you twiddle (switching side mid game or even mid rally)
I think that as long as the opponent is warned before the match it will be fine but I personally see no reason for change