| As table tennis becomes more popular, the | | | | approved size until being replaced after the 2000 |
| number of companies producing equipment for | | | | Olympic Games in an attempt to slow game play |
| the sport is on the rise. This increased popularity | | | | for spectator enjoyment. |
| results in an abundance of equipment options for | | | | A star rating system is used to grade the quality |
| consumers to evaluate. Each piece of equipment | | | | of each ball. A one-star rating is the lowest rating |
| performs an important function and should be | | | | awarded. These balls are acceptable practice balls. |
| selected with thoughtful consideration. Table tennis | | | | A ball rated with two-stars is a step above its |
| regulations set by the International Table Tennis | | | | one-star rated counterpart. These balls are |
| Federation (ITTF) dictate specifications for | | | | acceptable for training purposes. The highest |
| equipment approved for official competition. The | | | | quality ball is given a three-star rating and is |
| ITTF maintains a list of approved manufacturers | | | | approved for use in international competition. |
| and models on their website. | | | | Three-star balls are the most evenly constructed |
| Choosing your paddle can be as simple as | | | | and present the most true flight and bounce, two |
| selecting one off the shelf at your local sporting | | | | essential elements for a successful game. Not all |
| goods store, or it can be an involved process that | | | | balls are rated. You can purchase balls that are |
| begins with selecting a blank paddle in the size, | | | | not tested to meet ITTF standards of size or |
| shape, and weight you find most comfortable and | | | | weight. Unrated and one-star rated balls are |
| then adding rubber sheets that will influence your | | | | typically the least expensive. They can be |
| style of play. The type of paddle you select can | | | | purchased for approximately $5 per dozen. Balls |
| have a definite impact on your game. Paddle | | | | that are rated with two and three stars start at |
| selection may not seem significant to someone | | | | around $7 per dozen. |
| who is playing the game on a casual basis, but for | | | | Finally, you will need a decent table to play table |
| anyone who is hoping to advance his or her level | | | | tennis on. There is a wide assortment of table |
| of play, paddle selection is crucial. | | | | styles available for your consideration. If you will |
| It is recommended that you try-out several | | | | be moving your table often, a table that can be |
| options before settling on the type of paddle that | | | | folded easily for storage is a sensible selection. It |
| will help you to achieve your best game. ITTF | | | | would also be wise to ensure the table has rollers |
| rules do not specify a required size, shape or | | | | for easier maneuverability. Stationary tables are |
| weight for an approved paddle, but they do state | | | | available for a more permanent placement. A third |
| that one side of the paddle must be red and one | | | | option is a conversion top, which fits over your |
| side must be black. The type of rubber sheets | | | | existing billiard table, converting it into a table |
| added to the paddle can be different on each side. | | | | tennis table. |
| This is important because the type of rubber on a | | | | Tabletops should be examined to ensure they are |
| paddle can determine whether or not a ball spins | | | | even and smooth. A tabletop that is warped or |
| when hit or how fast it travels when returned. | | | | has rough spots will prevent the ball from |
| Trying different types of rubber sheets will enable | | | | bouncing correctly when it hits the table. This will |
| you to determine which size and texture best fits | | | | negatively affect game play. ITTF approved |
| your style of playing. A pre-made table tennis | | | | tables must be blue or green in color with a |
| paddle ranges in price from $15 to $150. Pricing | | | | matte finish. White lines are painted around the |
| for a custom paddle begins at around $40. | | | | edges and across the center, dividing the table |
| Once you have chosen your paddle, you will need | | | | into two even halves. A regulation table must |
| a ball. There are many brands of table tennis balls | | | | measure 9 ft long x 5 ft wide x 30 inches high. |
| available. ITTF approved table tennis balls must | | | | Table tennis tables range in price from $250 for a |
| weigh 2.7 grams and measure 40mm in diameter. | | | | basic beginner table to over $2000 for a |
| They are white or orange in color and have a | | | | competition quality table. |
| matte finish. Approved balls must have a bounce | | | | A big key to successful table tennis training is |
| of 23cm when dropped from a height of 30cm. | | | | finding the right equipment to play with, so take |
| Consequently, this is the most common size ball | | | | your time in finding and evaluating the right tools |
| currently in use. There are other sizes on the | | | | for your game. |
| market including the 38mm, which was the ITTF | | | | |