This article will provide a basic understanding of the table tennis racket. Choosing the right equipment is important to develop and improve your table tennis game. The right table tennis paddle (also known as a bat or a racket) will enable every player, regardless of skill level, to make better strokes and enhance the enjoyment of this great game.
What is the right table tennis paddle? This depends on the user's style and preference.
A table tennis paddle consists of two parts: the blade which is the wooden part of the paddle, and the rubbers which cover the paddle on both sides. The first choice you need to make is whether you buy a 'pre-made paddle' or a 'custom paddle'.
When you buy a 'pre-made bat', the rubbers have already been glued to the paddle. When you choose a 'custom paddle', you select the paddle and two rubbers separately. You would then need to assemble a 'custom paddle' yourself or ask your supplier to do this for you.
Here are the advantages of each paddle type:
Pre-made
They are usually much cheaper. They are already assembled with a good finish and ready to go. You don't need to buy glue, edge tape, or tools for assembling.
Custom
More choice in type of rubbers and paddles to suit your style. Paddles and rubbers can be much better quality. As you develop your game (or change your style) you can change the rubbers. When the rubbers wear out, they can be easily removed and replaced.
Regardless of the method used to make the paddle, there are many varieties of blades and rubbers on the market. First, let's discuss the blade (the wodden base). Select a blade that matches the speed of your game. Also, give serious thought to comparing the pros and cons of the handle type (e.g. shakehand vs. penholder), since it is difficult to play shakehand with a penholder racket. When choosing a handle type, the most important feature is to go with what feels good to you. The most common choices are flared handles vs. straight handles, although there are some other designs as well. Choices of rubber vary widely as well. Ping-pong games used to be played with “hard rubber” and were much slower paced and featured far less spin than today's fast paced action. In the modern era, sponge, sticky top-sheets, and speed glue provide an opportunity for any player to choose rubbers that match his/her style. Rubbers can be purchased that provide speed improvements, increased under-spin and over-spin, and can actually reduce or remove the opponent's spin. Some are designed for more power when hammering home the winner while others are more control oriented.
So what will a paddle cost you? For the recreational rackets similar to those found at Laurel Manor and Lake Miona, you should pay about $10 - $15. Remember that these bats are designed for the casual player and are not high quality. As your game improves, you may want to improve the quality of your paddle. Find something that strengthens your game, provides greater enjoyment, and offers value for the money.
How to purchase a Table Tennis paddle...
There are several mail order companies, Paddle Palace, Killerspin, Gambler, Megaspin and Butterfly among others.
www.megaspin.net Megaspin offers all our members a discount. Just type in VILLAGES (all caps) in promo box). www.zeropong.com (Gambler products)
http://www.butterflyonline.com/
http://www.killerspin.com/
http://www.paddlepalace.com/
Frequently, new players ask me for equipment advice. Here is a good option to consider.
GAMBLER at zeropong.com They ship from Georgetown, South Carolina. I am impressed with their pre-assembled paddles priced between $13 and $55 complete. A very decent complete paddle sells from $20 to $40. I use their $14 "Predator" individual rubber and it seems just as good as Yasaka Mark 5 which costs $38 per sheet.
Their three star competition, white, ITTF approved, P40+ poly ball is priced at .80 cents each. Nittaku ball from Paddle Palace $2.80 each. I have been using the Gambler ball and like it just fine...bounce is equal. Shipping is $5 on any size order. Free freight on rubber only.
If someone needs advice or help navigating their web site or making a choice, you can call Gambler at 833-888-7664 or e-mail me at [email protected].
And finally, TT paddles can be purchased at Sports Authority... www.sportsauthority.com 2400 S.W. College Rd, Ocala, 352-873-1466. Dicks Sporting Goods or Wal-Mart for basic equipment.
In choosing a paddle for the beginner or advanced beginner, I suggest the "recreational paddle". It is completely assembled and ready to use. I would choose a paddle that is rated for the all around player, (equal on spin, control, and speed). A smooth rubber with 1.8 mm to 2.0mm sponge thickness. A price range is $30 to $60. There are many paddles priced above $60, but those are more appropriate for more advanced players that have the experience to know exactly what to choose.
I have purchased several paddles on line. In making a choice, I read through the descriptions and pick the one that sounds the most like me and fits my budget.
I suggest getting some kind of case for the paddle for protection and to keep it clean. I bought a bottle of "rubber cleaner". Using this helps minimize a buildup of oil on the rubber from your hands. Once the rubber gets oily, spin is greatly reduced. More recently, I have used WD-40...spray on and wipe off. This works very well.
Use only your own paddle. It’s important to get your own paddle and then to use it exclusively. Every paddle has its own “feel” and playing characteristics, and you will benefit greatly by using only one paddle so you’re not always trying to adapt to a different one. Also, take good care of your paddle; treat it with respect. Keep it in a case when you’re not using it. If you’re using inverted sponge rubber (smooth surface), keep it clean.
I am available most Sunday's, noon at Laurel Manor if you require additional advice, coaching tips or practice on the robot. This service is free.
submitted by, Coach Bud Stout, Updated 9-27-2019
What is the right table tennis paddle? This depends on the user's style and preference.
A table tennis paddle consists of two parts: the blade which is the wooden part of the paddle, and the rubbers which cover the paddle on both sides. The first choice you need to make is whether you buy a 'pre-made paddle' or a 'custom paddle'.
When you buy a 'pre-made bat', the rubbers have already been glued to the paddle. When you choose a 'custom paddle', you select the paddle and two rubbers separately. You would then need to assemble a 'custom paddle' yourself or ask your supplier to do this for you.
Here are the advantages of each paddle type:
Pre-made
They are usually much cheaper. They are already assembled with a good finish and ready to go. You don't need to buy glue, edge tape, or tools for assembling.
Custom
More choice in type of rubbers and paddles to suit your style. Paddles and rubbers can be much better quality. As you develop your game (or change your style) you can change the rubbers. When the rubbers wear out, they can be easily removed and replaced.
Regardless of the method used to make the paddle, there are many varieties of blades and rubbers on the market. First, let's discuss the blade (the wodden base). Select a blade that matches the speed of your game. Also, give serious thought to comparing the pros and cons of the handle type (e.g. shakehand vs. penholder), since it is difficult to play shakehand with a penholder racket. When choosing a handle type, the most important feature is to go with what feels good to you. The most common choices are flared handles vs. straight handles, although there are some other designs as well. Choices of rubber vary widely as well. Ping-pong games used to be played with “hard rubber” and were much slower paced and featured far less spin than today's fast paced action. In the modern era, sponge, sticky top-sheets, and speed glue provide an opportunity for any player to choose rubbers that match his/her style. Rubbers can be purchased that provide speed improvements, increased under-spin and over-spin, and can actually reduce or remove the opponent's spin. Some are designed for more power when hammering home the winner while others are more control oriented.
So what will a paddle cost you? For the recreational rackets similar to those found at Laurel Manor and Lake Miona, you should pay about $10 - $15. Remember that these bats are designed for the casual player and are not high quality. As your game improves, you may want to improve the quality of your paddle. Find something that strengthens your game, provides greater enjoyment, and offers value for the money.
How to purchase a Table Tennis paddle...
There are several mail order companies, Paddle Palace, Killerspin, Gambler, Megaspin and Butterfly among others.
www.megaspin.net Megaspin offers all our members a discount. Just type in VILLAGES (all caps) in promo box). www.zeropong.com (Gambler products)
http://www.butterflyonline.com/
http://www.killerspin.com/
http://www.paddlepalace.com/
Frequently, new players ask me for equipment advice. Here is a good option to consider.
GAMBLER at zeropong.com They ship from Georgetown, South Carolina. I am impressed with their pre-assembled paddles priced between $13 and $55 complete. A very decent complete paddle sells from $20 to $40. I use their $14 "Predator" individual rubber and it seems just as good as Yasaka Mark 5 which costs $38 per sheet.
Their three star competition, white, ITTF approved, P40+ poly ball is priced at .80 cents each. Nittaku ball from Paddle Palace $2.80 each. I have been using the Gambler ball and like it just fine...bounce is equal. Shipping is $5 on any size order. Free freight on rubber only.
If someone needs advice or help navigating their web site or making a choice, you can call Gambler at 833-888-7664 or e-mail me at [email protected].
And finally, TT paddles can be purchased at Sports Authority... www.sportsauthority.com 2400 S.W. College Rd, Ocala, 352-873-1466. Dicks Sporting Goods or Wal-Mart for basic equipment.
In choosing a paddle for the beginner or advanced beginner, I suggest the "recreational paddle". It is completely assembled and ready to use. I would choose a paddle that is rated for the all around player, (equal on spin, control, and speed). A smooth rubber with 1.8 mm to 2.0mm sponge thickness. A price range is $30 to $60. There are many paddles priced above $60, but those are more appropriate for more advanced players that have the experience to know exactly what to choose.
I have purchased several paddles on line. In making a choice, I read through the descriptions and pick the one that sounds the most like me and fits my budget.
I suggest getting some kind of case for the paddle for protection and to keep it clean. I bought a bottle of "rubber cleaner". Using this helps minimize a buildup of oil on the rubber from your hands. Once the rubber gets oily, spin is greatly reduced. More recently, I have used WD-40...spray on and wipe off. This works very well.
Use only your own paddle. It’s important to get your own paddle and then to use it exclusively. Every paddle has its own “feel” and playing characteristics, and you will benefit greatly by using only one paddle so you’re not always trying to adapt to a different one. Also, take good care of your paddle; treat it with respect. Keep it in a case when you’re not using it. If you’re using inverted sponge rubber (smooth surface), keep it clean.
I am available most Sunday's, noon at Laurel Manor if you require additional advice, coaching tips or practice on the robot. This service is free.
submitted by, Coach Bud Stout, Updated 9-27-2019