Selecting an Indoor Table Tennis Table
While the indoor table tennis table gets more popular, the amount of companies developing gear for the sport is on the rise. This increased popularity results in an abundance of equipment choices for consumers to assess. Each piece of equipment performs a crucial function and should be chosen with thoughtful consideration. Table tennis regulations set by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) dictate specs for equipment authorised for official competition. The ITTF keeps a list of authorised manufacturing business’ and models on their website.
Choosing your paddle can be as uncomplicated as selecting one off the shelf at your local sports equipment store, or it can be an tortuous process that starts with choosing a blank paddle in the size, shape, and weight you find comfiest and then contributing rubber sheets that will shape your style of play. The type of paddle you select can have a clear affect on your game. Paddle selection may not seem meaning to someone who is playing the game on a casual basis, but for anyone who is hoping to elevate his or her level of play, paddle selection is of the essence.
It is advisable that you test numerous options before settling on the type of paddle that will help you to accomplish your best game. ITTF rules do not stipulate a necessary size, shape or weight for an approved paddle, but they do state that one side of the paddle must be red and one side must be black. The type of rubber sheets added to the paddle can be different on each side. This is crucial because the type of rubber on a paddle can determine whether or not a ball spins when hit or how quick it travels when returned. Trying various types of rubber sheets will enable you to ascertain which size and texture best fits your style of playing. A pre-made table tennis paddle ranges in price from $15 to $150. Pricing for a custom paddle starts at around $40.
Once you have picked out your paddle, you will require a ball. There are a lot of brands of table tennis balls purchasable. ITTF sanctioned table tennis balls must weigh 2.7 grams and measure 40mm in diameter. They are white or orange in color and have a matte finish. Authorized balls must have a bounce of 23cm when dropped from a height of 30cm on an indoor table tennis table. Therefore, this is the most popular size ball currently in use. There are other sizes on the market including the 38mm, which was the ITTF approved size until being superseded after the 2000 Olympic Games in an attempt to slow game play for viewer enjoyment.
A star rating system is used to class the quality of each ball. A one-star rating is the lowest rating granted. These balls are satisfactory practice balls. A ball rated with two-stars is a step above its one-star rated counterpart. These balls are satisfactory for training purposes. The greatest quality ball is given a three-star rating and is approved for use in worldwide competition. Three-star balls are the most evenly built and present the most true flight and bounce, two all important components for a victorious game. Not all balls are rated. You can buy balls that are not tested to meet ITTF standards of size or weight. Unrated and one-star rated balls are generally the least expensive. They can be bought for about $5 per dozen. Balls that are rated with two and three stars start at around $7 per dozen.
Lastly, you will need an adequate intable to play table tennis on. There is a broad assortment of table styles available for your consideration. If you will be shifting your table frequently, a table that can be folded easily for storage is a thoughtful selection. It would also be informed to ensure the table has rollers for simpler maneuverability. Stationary tables are purchasable for a more permanent positioning. A third option is a conversion top, which fits over your existing billiard table, converting it into a table tennis table. Tabletops should be analyzed to assure they are even and suave. A tabletop that is buckled or has rough blemishes will prevent the ball from bouncing right when it hits the table. This will negatively affect game play. ITTF sanctioned tables must be blue or green in color with a matte finish. White lines are painted around the edges and across the middle, separating the table into two even halves. A regulation table must measure 9 ft long x 5 ft wide x 30 inches high. Indoor table tennis tables range in price from $250 for a basic beginner table to over $2000 for a competition quality table.
A big key to productive table tennis training is discovering the right gear to play with, so take your time in finding and assessing the right tools for your game.