To excel in table tennis, players require specific equipment that adheres to international standards. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment used in the game:
Ball
The table tennis ball is a lightweight, hollow sphere that weighs 2.7 grams (0.095 oz) and measures 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) in diameter. When dropped from a height of 30.5 cm (12.0 inches) onto a standard steel block, the ball should bounce up between 24–26 cm (9.4–10.2 inches), which gives it a coefficient of restitution of 0.89 to 0.92.
Since 2015, the balls have been made of celluloid plastic and come in either white or orange with a matte finish. The color of the ball is chosen based on the color of the table and its surroundings to ensure optimal visibility. For instance, a white ball is preferable for a green or blue table. Manufacturers typically rate the quality of the ball using a star system, with three stars indicating the highest quality, though this rating system is not standardized across all brands. Balls used in official competitions must be approved by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
Table
The official table tennis table measures 2.74 meters (9.0 feet) in length, 1.525 meters (5.0 feet) in width, and 76 cm (2.5 feet) in height. The playing surface must allow for a uniform bounce of approximately 23 cm (9.1 inches) when a standard ball is dropped from a height of 30 cm (11.8 inches), which represents about 77% of the original drop height.
The table is typically a dark, matte color and is divided into two halves by a net that stands 15.25 cm (6.0 inches) high. While the ITTF approves only wooden tables or their derivatives for official use, concrete tables with steel nets can be found in public spaces like parks for recreational use.
Paddle (Racket)
The paddle, also known as a racket or bat, is the player’s primary tool and consists of a laminated wooden blade covered with rubber on one or both sides, depending on the player’s grip style.
The blade typically features one to seven plies of wood, though other materials like cork, carbon fiber, glass fiber, aluminum fiber, or Kevlar may also be incorporated. According to ITTF regulations, at least 85% of the blade’s thickness must be composed of natural wood. The average blade size is about 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) long and 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) wide, though the exact dimensions may vary based on personal preference. The type and thickness of the rubber covering the blade affect how the paddle interacts with the ball, influencing factors like spin and speed.