Gear Guide
This gear guide outlined below is just a brief summery about some of the key components need to play table tennis and some things that are not necessary but can be useful in the grand scheme of things.
GlueThe glue is a minor part of the bat as a whole but vary the effectiveness of the rubbers drastically. It is important to know that some glues (volatile compounds (VOCs)) are prohibited by the ITTA when partaking in tournaments.
Because the blade can be reused after the rubbers have faded, the applying of the glue is an important step to get right. Some players are known to change their rubbers after every tournament, so for them it is very important that their blade stays in one smooth piece. |
Balls
When buying balls you will notice they are graded with stars. 3 stars being the tournament level ball. Usually packed in 3's or 6's. Training balls are usually noted with either '40+' or simply 'training ball' printed on the surface of the ball.
Training balls move slower and are easier to control when practising a slice, loop or smash. A good investment when starting out.
3 stars are faster than training balls. In more recent years tournament have been using 3 star seamless balls. They hold their shape better and are less likely to split when smashed hard.
Training balls move slower and are easier to control when practising a slice, loop or smash. A good investment when starting out.
3 stars are faster than training balls. In more recent years tournament have been using 3 star seamless balls. They hold their shape better and are less likely to split when smashed hard.
Net
There's not much to say about the nets. They come in many styles, but they all have the same height, 15cm.
The two types of net posts and the spring and the clip. For a more durable purchase the spring net and post is advised. For a more portable and light weight solution, the clip will do the job. When buying your net, a gauge will be packed with it. This is used to make sure the net is not too high or low.
The two types of net posts and the spring and the clip. For a more durable purchase the spring net and post is advised. For a more portable and light weight solution, the clip will do the job. When buying your net, a gauge will be packed with it. This is used to make sure the net is not too high or low.
Table
The size of the table is 2.74 meter long by 1.525 meter wide, with the surface of the table 76 centimetres above the ground.
Indoor tables must have a bounce of 77%. This means, if you were to drop a ball from 30 cm onto the table it will bounce back up 23 centimetres. Outdoor tables usually have a lower bounce back.
Indoor tables must have a bounce of 77%. This means, if you were to drop a ball from 30 cm onto the table it will bounce back up 23 centimetres. Outdoor tables usually have a lower bounce back.
References:
- https://butterflyonline.com/the-3-components-of-an-elite-table-tennis-paddle/
- All images were obtained from Google Images.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_tennis