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Table tennis is gaining popularity, becoming a favorite pastime for many as both entertainment and a way to stay fit. However, not everyone pays attention to the necessary table tennis equipment to kick off a match. What about you? Do you know all the essential table tennis tools?
1. Table Tennis Racket
This is a fundamental table tennis gear to start with. If you're a table tennis enthusiast, you're probably familiar with terms like 'racket surface' and 'blade' when referring to your table tennis racket.
Blade, the essential part of a table tennis racket, is crafted from wood or synthetic materials. The racket's surface is covered with a layer of rubber. Based on the specifications, table tennis rackets are categorized into different types: All-round, Defensive, and Offensive.
A racket is indispensable in table tennis, whether you play recreationally or professionally.
Defensive rackets often have a slower speed but provide the best control. These are suitable for beginners or players who prefer a defensive style of play.
All-round rackets have a medium balance between speed and control. They are used by players who evenly balance between offensive and defensive play.
Attack-focused rackets are the fastest but come with less control. They are used by most offensive players and are not recommended for beginners.
2. Table Tennis Ball
Similar to rackets, table tennis balls also have a rating system. This system uses stars instead of numbers 1-10. The highest-rated balls always have a three-star rating.
Since table tennis balls are relatively inexpensive, even the most expensive ones cost only around 20,000 – 30,000 VND, so choose balls with a rating of 3 stars or above.
Balls with lower ratings are prone to breaking or denting. High-quality balls can endure for an extended period, given proper care.
Table tennis balls are reasonably priced and can last a long time if stored correctly.
Some steps to remember when caring for a table tennis ball:
By following these four simple steps, a high-quality ball can indeed last a very long time.
The color of the ball is not crucial during practice. However, using orange or white is advisable, as these are the two legal colors for actual matches. Opting for an orange or white ball will help you get accustomed to seeing the ball during the game.
3. Table and Net for Table Tennis
It's crucial to ensure that your practice table and net are of the same dimensions as those specified for official play, so you don't get used to practicing on a table with the wrong size.
The table must have a length of 274 cm, width of 152.5 cm, and a height from the ground of 76 cm. As for the net, the prescribed height is 15.25 cm, and it must extend across the entire width of the table, protruding 15.25 cm on each side.
Game regulations clearly define the dimensions of a valid table tennis table and net.
The table surface is typically in shades of green, sea blue, or black and must not be reflective. Although all tables and nets must adhere to these regulations, there are still varying qualities.
In reality, some of the highest-quality tables can cost up to 25 – 30 million VND. A good-quality net can also reach 2.5 million VND.
If you want a table for casual play, opt for a more affordable one. However, for professionals needing an indoor training table, high-quality options are necessary. The table should always be placed on a hard, flat surface, such as concrete or wood.
Proper Maintenance of Table Tennis Equipment
As long as you take care of your table tennis equipment and handle it gently, these tools can last a long time. You can also purchase items to help keep your equipment in top condition, such as edge tape to protect your racket, a sponge to clean your rubber, and a storage box for safekeeping.
Nets should be stored properly in a dry place when not in use. After playing, make sure to clean the table before storing it in a dry and secure indoor location. Never store your table tennis table outdoors. Moisture, rain, insects, and everything else can damage the table.
Balls should be stored inside a box – not in a plastic bag! If you do all these things, your table tennis equipment will last for many years.
For those just starting in this sport and looking to purchase quality table tennis equipment, the initial investment can be substantial. A good, durable table tennis racket costs an average of 900,000 VND, excluding the rubber layer on the racket, which may add around 500,000 VND. A quality regulation-sized table is priced at around 8 million VND. Used table tennis equipment may be cheaper, but always thoroughly check their condition.
Posted by: Thông Nguyễn Huy
Keywords: Exploring Essential Table Tennis Gear
