How to choose a racket for table tennis

In order for a table tennis game to end in an unconditional victory, equipment for the match should be given close attention. This is especially true of the racket - each athlete has his own technique and a “set” hand in his own way, and it must provide maximum functionality, becoming a full-fledged extension of the tennis player’s hand.

content

1. The best manufacturers of table tennis rackets
   
2. Types of desktop rackets
3. Table tennis racket selection options

The best manufacturers of table tennis rackets

Traditionally, the best racquets for the game of tennis are considered to be the models to which the well-known manufacturers of sports equipment had a hand:

1. Atemi

2. Butterfly

3. Joola

4. Cornilleau

5. Stila

In addition to everything, it is necessary to study the feedback of those who use those or other models and certainly can highlight both their strengths and weaknesses. You can find them in all sorts of forums dedicated to table tennis, as well as in the relevant groups in social networks.

Types of desktop rackets

Racquets for beginner tennis players and amateur models

Devices belonging to the category from 1 to 3 stars. Fully factory manufacturing, great for mastering the technique of the game. They have a comfortable ergonomic handle, the shock part has a special pad of a sponge with a thickness of 1-3 millimeters.

Virtues

• Low cost;

• Comfortable handle;

• Suitable for amateur game;

disadvantages

• Mediocre build quality;

• Not suitable for professional use and performance of complex techniques;

• The handle consists of a small number of layers of wood;

• Quickly become useless;

Rackets for professionals

Models used by professionals during the competition. The main difference between them is a collapsible design that allows you to assemble a racket for a certain style of play. It goes on sale in the form of a set of elements and a special glue, from which the athlete personally assembles the option that suits him. They are distinguished by high workmanship and exact compliance with real and declared characteristics.

Virtues

• High quality basic items;

• Allow to implement the most complex techniques during the game;

• The ability to combine a racket depending on the desired game mode and tactics;

• Versatile design;

disadvantages

• Suitable exclusively for advanced tennis players;

• Are more expensive than modular models;

Table tennis racket selection options

Racket base

The most important element responsible for the implementation of complex techniques and maneuvering during the game. It can be made of plastic or from several layers of soft and hard wood, spliced ​​under high pressure. The first option is used in the budget models recommended for beginners, the second is preferred by professionals who are demanding on the quality of the racket. By design, all bases are divided into three general groups:

1. DEF - rackets designed for defensive play;

2. ALL - universal models, suitable for both defense and attack;

3. OFF - models that involve an active and aggressive game, characterized by a high pace and high speed of rotation;

Lining type

Slips are removable elements made of porous material that are attached to the wooden base of the racket and assume contact with the ball. Depending on the style of the game, professionals can apply two types of overlays on their racket:

1. Identical lining. They do not assume that the racket is turned over during the game, they are similar to each other;

2. Lining different. As a rule, one of the overlays is smooth, the second is corrugated. Designed for a dramatic change in the technique of the game during the match, suggest turning sides during the game.

3. In addition to the performance, the thickness of the pads varies. For example, models with a thickness of 1-1.5 millimeters are good for the defensive nature of the game, as well as for carrying out trimming. Covers of 1.5–2 millimeters thick are typically universal. Models, however, which are 2 millimeters thick, are thick and suggest aggressive offensive play.

Handle shape

Popular among athletes are rackets with a variety of handles:

1. Straight;

2. Cone-shaped;

3. Flared;

4. Anatomical;

They have no advantages and disadvantages, the choice is made by selecting the racket, the handle of which “fell into the hand” to the athlete.

Racket weight

Properly chosen racket is not excessively light, since such models are unlikely to provide proper control over the ball and lead to additional vibrations upon contact with it. At the same time, the racket should not be too heavy, otherwise fatigue and fatigue in the muscles will manifest themselves very soon. The optimal weight of the racket is 150-200 grams.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose a racket for tennis and secrets badminton selection.

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.