Stiga Tables and Equipment

Table tennis paddle

Table tennis is a game where a small ball is hit over and into the other side of a six inch high net fixed across the table. The ball is hit back and forth with a small paddle shaped racket or bat by the players till one of them misses. The composition and structure of the bat determines a great deal the outcome of a game.

Paddles with differing qualities have been invented for players with different playing styles. You have to find out your strong and weak points with regard to the game before going out to buy one. The racket you are using should suit your playing style. Paddles come in different shapes but oval shape is the most common and preferred. Wood is the most commonly used material for manufacturing these paddles. The face of the bat is made with rubber or sponge which is either smooth or pimpled in texture. As per the guidelines of the International Table Tennis Association, the maximum thickness of this coating should not exceed four millimeters on any part of the racket.

Different kinds of paddles offer different levels of friction and playing properties. The color, structure, smoothness of surface and weight differs and the enthusiast has myriad options to select as per his or her playing requirements and tastes. The prowess of a table tennis paddle is actually determined by this rubber and sponge coating. Due to this, Table Tennis Associations have imposed stringent quality and texture controls to maintain fair play.

Double sided rackets with different kind of rubbers were prevalent. Players with defensive game plans resort to using them for tricking the opponent. However, this practice is banned in professional games.

If you are a beginner, there are some matters to note while buying a table tennis paddle. It is highly advisable that you first understand your style and level of play and buy paddles which suit these. A wrong racket at the beginning of the career can stifle room for improvement.

A racket with rubbers fixed at the time of purchase itself should be avoided, since rubbers tend to wear out quickly. Most of them may not suit your play style too. The first step is to choose the blade that suits you. Then find out which type of grip you will be comfortable handling.

Finding out the best combination here is a must since playing styles, once you are in the groove, may not be easy to change later. The third step is to choose a suiting handle, whether flared or straight ones. Always take advices from experienced players while going through these steps.

For a beginner, rackets with smooth rubber on both sides will do. Once you are experienced enough, you can switch over to pimpled rubbers that add to the pace and challenge to the game.

Rackets should always be kept in good condition by cleaning them after every use, irrespective of whether you are a pro or a novice, to increase their shelf life. After all they cost you money. Since these table tennis paddles are sensitive to sunlight and moisture, they need to be packed away safely.

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