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Most table tennis equipment resellers will let you select
any type of rubber with any bat and assemble these for you
at your request. Selecting a rubber and bat type requires that
you know just as much about your style of play as you know
about the actual equipment.
The paddle should have a red and a black side. The ball should be
either orange or white and 40 mm in size. The table should be
2.74 meters long, 1.525 m wide, and 0.76 m high.
The Rubber
The type of rubber you select is crucial, since it determines
the amount of spin you can create, and also affects the overall
speed of your paddle. If you wish, you can use a different
type of rubber on each side, but tournament rules require
that one side is red and the other side black. This requirement
enables the opponent to see what type of rubber is used during
a stroke. Rubber will wear out over time and lose its ability
to create spin. Protecting the rubber from dust and air will help
make it last longer.
The spinniness of a rubber is mainly determined by the
composition of the rubber's topsheet. Generally, the spinnier
the rubber, the more affected by spin the rubber will be. Types
of rubber include
Inverted - The pips face inward and attach to the wood.
When used with a tacky surface, this type can produce excellent
spin. Without the tacky surface, known as Anti-Spin, it is not
as affected by spin but also cannot produce spin. Often used
to produce a "dead-ball".
Short Pips - The pips face outward to make contact with
the ball. Excellent for smashing.
Long Pips - Often used by defensive players.
Similar to short pips, except that long pips
will return more spin with unpredictable results, sometimes
surprising the opponent.
The speed, however, is mainly determined
by the thickness of the rubber.
Generally, the rubber thickness ranges from 1.0mm to 2.5mm.
Thicker rubbers create maximum speed best used for offensive
play, while thinner ones provide more control and touch for
control or defensive players.
1.0 - 1.5mm - For better control and feel.
2.0mm - The most popular thickness. It provides a
balance of power and control, and is also used by spinning or
attacking players that play close to the table.
2.5mm - Also known as "maximum" thickness, it generally
creates the most power and spin.
Some players, including most elite players, apply speedglue
to the blades. Speedglue needs to be reapplied often since it normally
loses its effect after 4 to 10 hours of play. Special types of rubber have
been designed to be used with speedglue for best results.
The Blade
The blade is also referred to as the bat or racket. The factors that should
determine your choice of a blade include weight, speed,
and handle shape. Most blades today weigh between 70 and 100 grams.
Select a weight that matches your style- a light blade will be easier to
maneuver while a heavier blade will generally produce more power. Although
a rating of a blade's speed is often provided by its manufacturer, keep in mind
that these ratings should only be compared with blades of the same brand.
Faster blades are obviously preferred by attacking players, while those
with moderate speeds are suitable for players who balance consistent play
with some attacks. Slower control blades are preferred by defensive and
developing players.
Pay attention to the shape and size of the handle. Here, select a
handle-shape based on its comfort. Some blades have a hollow
handle to improve the sweet spot and its touch, as well as reduce
its weight. The most common handle shapes are
Flared - Popular with loopers and all-round players.
Anatomic - Combination of looping and smashing.
Conic - Combination of looping and smashing.
Straight - Work well with smashing. Also preferred by players favoring their backhand.
Penhold - Used with the Chinese and Japanese grips.
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