Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a popular game with two or four opposing players. It started many centuries ago with the upper class society, but has evolved into a game widely played by people from all walks of life around the globe. It is known as the most played paddle game in the world today.

The game takes place on a table with a net as a division, and the role of each player is to hit the ping pong ball using a paddle, or a racquet. It requires power, speed, and a basic knowledge of the game’s styles and techniques. And one primary table tennis skill that you should learn is to know how to grip ping pong paddles the proper way.

In the beginning, many will find it difficult to perform the right grip, but with regular practice and perseverance, you will be able to master the skill in no time. And to help you achieve your goal, here are fail-safe grip techniques when playing table tennis.

How to grip the paddle correctly

Performing the proper grip is essential when playing table tennis because it controls the angle of the paddle, therefore managing the direction, speed, depth, and spin of the ball as well.

1 Shakehand grip – This grip is used by most professional and recreational players. There are two variations of this grip – the shallow grip and the deep grip. The basic position is to hold the paddle like when you are shaking somebody’s hand.

*Shallow shakehand grip – Place your thumb on the blade, not the rubber part. Extend    your index finger to the bottom of the paddle, and let the remaining fingers grip the handle. Because of its loose grip, you can be more flexible and allows more powerful spins that can be done to the ball.
*Deep shakehand grip – Your thumb should rest on the rubber, and hold the paddle as close to the blade. Extend your index finger along the bottom of the paddle, and let the rest of the fingers grip the handle. This will allow you to create more precise spins and shots.

2 Penhold grip – Several variations are currently adapted for this grip type. The basic hand position is to hold the paddle as if you’re holding a pen, where the name was derived.

*Traditional Chinese grip – The thumb and index finger should hold the handle, close to the blade. The other fingers are positioned in a curled manner around the back of the blade.
*Japanese/ Korean grip – Execute the same hand position as that of the traditional Chinese grip, except that the three fingers at the back of the blade are straighten out, instead of curled. The fingers could be closed together, or wide apart.
*Reverse penhold backhand grip – Position your fingers the same way with that of the traditional Chinese grip. The difference lies on how you are able to use the back of the blade for back hand shots.

Like in any other sports, perfecting the basic skills is crucial and will definitely affect your performance in the game. As with table tennis, mastering the grip techniques for ping pong paddles will help you do extremely well in your sport. So, learn all the skills above and puff up with pride as you play a game of table tennis.

Perfect Your Skills–Grip Ping Pong Paddles the Right Way is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

Table tennis is the world’s most popular racket sport that can be played indoors or outdoors, as a competitive sport or simply for recreation. When playing for competitions, choosing ping pong paddles is important because these affect ball spin, speed, placement and strategy.

Kinds of paddles

• Pre-made rackets: These bats are sold with rubbers already attached to the blade and are generally used for recreational purposes. These inexpensive and ready-to-use rackets are great for beginners and non competitive players.

• Custom paddles: These rackets must be assembled before they can be used. To build your own bat, you will need to purchase two rubbers and a blade of your choice and fuse them together using a special glue. Table tennis rules allow you to install different types of rubber on either side of the racket. Custom ping pong paddles are suitable for competitive players because they can put together the best blade and rubbers for their games. A custom racket also makes it easy for you to replace worn out or damaged rubbers.

Parts of the racket

• Blade: this is the wooden part of the racket which may be combined with other materials such as cork, glass fiber, carbon fiber, aluminum fiber and aralyte. An all natural wood blade provides the best feel and great control while the composite blade is good if you want greater speed during play.

• Rubbers: cover both sides of the bat and may be pimpled or smooth. A pimpled surface, also known as short pips, is for a defensive player whose strategy is to change the rhythm of a game, block and chop well, and produce deceptive returns to an opponent.

On the other hand, the smooth or reverse pimpled rubber is for the aggressive player whose strategy consists of high speed plays, powerful strokes and forceful spins.

A table tennis racket determines the kind of game you play because it can be used to control the ball’s speed and spin. But this does not mean that you should run out and buy the most expensive paddle you can find.

Your choice among the many kinds of ping pong paddles will depend on your skills and purpose of playing. If playing for recreation or just starting out, a pre made racket is convenient and sufficient. But if you want to develop your game or are practicing for competition, then you’ll have to invest in high quality rubbers and a blade for your custom bat.

Choosing the Right Ping Pong Paddles for Competitive Play is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

Whether your playing for recreation or competitive sports, knowing what ping pong paddles to buy can make or break your game.

Table tennis continues to be the top racket sport around the world because it provides hours of fun and a complete physical workout and challenges your skills.

Because much of your skills and strategy depends on your racket, deciding whether to buy a pre made or custom paddle or its individual parts requires some careful thought.

Here are some expert tips for choosing the correct ping pong paddles:

• Selecting rubber

Rubbers cover both sides of the paddle surface or blades and can be of various types:

Smooth inverted and sticky: These are the most preferred rubbers because they produce high speeds, powerful strokes and forceful spins for offensive plays.

Pips or pimpled rubber surfaces: These give faster and more direct shots, reverses the opponents spin for great defensive playing.

Anti-spin rubber: This is ideally used for defensive playing to reverse the opponent’s spins although most competitive players use a combination of anti-spin and long pips for better control of the game.

• Choosing the blade

Blades must be at least 85% natural wood. The rest of the blade can be made of composite materials like glass or carbon fiber. Carbon blades strengthen the blade and provide a larger sweet spot.

But beginners and recreational players may no longer feel confused when choosing the right kind of blades or materials as manufacturers now provide speed ratings to guide buyers in their selection. As a rule of thumb, a slower blade gives better control while a faster blade is good for offensive shots but has little control.

Over 70: this is a fast blade which is suitable for offensive players but offer less control.

50 – 70: is an all-around range that beginners and recreational players may also use.

Slower blades are for defensive plays because these provide better control.

• Choosing the sponge

In between the blade and rubber is a sponge layer between 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm thick. A thin sponge gives you better control while a thick one produces more speed but little control.

Recreational players can still buy pre made ping pong paddles for their convenience as these are increasingly manufactured using high quality materials. But if you are thinking of improving your game, investing in a custom racket is more cost effective in the long run because it is easier to replace rubbers as your skills develop.

Expert Guide for Choosing Ping Pong Paddles is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

Table tennis is a highly competitive sport that requires plenty of practice and the right racket to excel in it which is why table tennis experts recommend that beginners spend some time choosing their ping pong paddles.

Parts of a table tennis racket

A racket has two general parts, the blade which is the wooden portion and the rubbers which cover both sides of the blade.

• Blade

Table tennis rules require rackets to be at least 85% natural wood. The remaining percentage is often made of composite materials like carbon fiber which strengthens the paddle and provides a large sweet spot or aralyte, which helps dampen vibration and has a softer feel than carbon. Beginners don’t need to buy one with carbon layers just yet as they still need to develop their skills and playing style.

• Rubber

Rubbers can be smooth or reverse type or pimpled or pips. Start with a quality smooth rubber on both sides because these allow you to try and develop various play styles before focusing on a specific one for professional play. Pimples or short pips are good only for limited strokes and spins and are ideal for more specialized playing styles.

• Sponge

In between the rubbers and the blade is a layer of sponge measuring anywhere from 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm thick. A thin sponge layer gives you better control and is best suited for beginners who are developing their game while a thicker sponge gives less control but faster speeds suitable for more seasoned players.

Price

While investing in the best quality you can afford may be more cost effective, you don’t have to purchase the most expensive ping pong paddles to play well. But if you’re serious about developing your skills and playing style, even as a beginner, choosing a custom bat over a pre made one is a must.

A custom bat may cost more than a pre made paddle but it has the added advantage of allowing you to replace rubbers when worn out or damaged or upgrade its parts as your skills develop.

After buying your blade, rubbers and sponge, you’ll have to put these together using a special glue. Manufacturers sometimes offer assembly as a service to their clients; otherwise, getting it done by someone with experience will save you from costly mistakes.

Buying good covers for ping pong paddles also protects them from sunlight, liquid spills and other harsh conditions so they last longer.

Beginner’s Guide to Ping Pong Paddles is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

Table tennis is one of the world’s most popular racket sport with hundreds of millions playing the game for recreation, exercise or competition. As table tennis tables are set up in schools, health clubs, sports centers and most homes, ping pong paddles and balls are all you need to get a game going.

Your table tennis bat or racket is your personal partner that can make or break your game which is why most players carefully choose their rackets.

Each racket is composed of two parts: the blade and the rubbers.

• Blade: This is generally made of wood and can be combined with other materials to create different kinds of play for as long as 85% is natural wood. Manufacturers may add carbon fiber to strengthen and stiffen the blade for increased speeds or aralyte which has a softer feel than carbon for reduced vibration and also increased sweet spot.

• Rubbers: These cover both sides of the blade and can be pimpled, reverse or anti spin rubbers.

* Pimpled or short pips are often used by defensive players who want a paddle that can alter the rhythm and speed of the game, block and chop well, and hand deceptive returns to the opponent.

* Reverse or smooth rubber is chosen by aggressive players who want to produce powerful strokes and forceful spins as this material promotes high speed plays.

* Anti spin rubber has a “no surface” grip often preferred by defensive players whose strategy is to disrupt the rhythm of a powerful opponent’s game.

Buying your first table tennis racket can be easy if you know your skills level and type of play.

There are two kinds of bats: pre made and custom.

• Pre made bats are ready made paddles that are easily found in sports stores and specialty shops. These are less expensive than custom made bats and are ideal for beginners and recreational players.

• Custom bats require separate purchases of the blade and rubbers which are then joined together using special glue. Seasoned and competitive players often choose the parts of their rackets according to their skills, playing style and strategy. Custom rackets offer the practical advantage of being able to replace the rubbers when they are worn out, damaged or no longer suitable for your playing style.

Price should be the least of your considerations when choosing ping pong paddles. However, this does not mean that you should buy the most expensive racket nor does an inexpensive racket imply poor quality. Instead, you should buy one that enhances your skills and promotes your game plan.

Ping Pong Paddles Buyers Guide is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

When buying your first ping pong paddles, you want to know what to look for and what to avoid.  A bad paddle or inadequate rubbers can greatly affect your overall rate of improvement.

Knowing what to look for when shopping for ping pong paddles is essential to your performance and the quality of your table tennis game.

The most common mistake that many people make when purchasing ping pong paddles is buying premade paddles. The problem with these kinds of ping pong paddles is that they come with the rubbers already attached. Since the typical life of the rubber is not more than a year, this can be a major disadvantage, and in most cases, a waste of money.  If the paddle is old stock, you may not get what you pay for, and opting for a newer paddle would have meant better performance.

The second thing to consider when picking out ping pong paddles is your blade. You don’t want a blade that is too fast or slow. A good all around blade from a manufacturer such as Butterfly or Stiga often offers the best performance, and is the most reliable option for those just beginning or who want a more competitive edge.

The grip and type of grip are other important factors for ping pong paddles. You want a grip type that is the most suited to your style of play, and a grip that feels comfortable.

Ping Pong Paddles is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

In any boring day, ping pong is a great way to entertain the family or guests inside or outside the house. For the serious player, a game of table tennis is the best way to prepare or condition oneself for a competition. Owning your own equipment like table tennis paddles, tables, and the like allows you more practice. Having these facilities at home is great idea.

Of all these equipment, the racquet is one of the first items you should own. Professional players know that this have an impact on your play, so purchase of this should be done wisely.

Different types of racquets

Paddles come in different kinds. You must remember though that your skill is at stake on what type you are going to purchase. The wrong racquet may not present you with the outcome that you want to achieve.

Recreational or Pre-made paddles – The rubbers on this type of paddles is already assembled once you purchase this. It is beginners and recreational players that suit this type.

Compared to the custom made paddle, this one does not cost that much. Another thing is it is easy to find. Any sporting stores have this. If you are someone who really minds having to set-up something, the pre-made paddle it perfect for you!

Custom made paddles – High performance paddles are the best to use if you are serious about playing the sport. You will be able to achieve the type of spin and speed you want to apply in your game. This is possible through the high-grade rubber and blade used to create this racquet.

The type of material you will use depends on your playing style. In any game, customized paddles have an edge over recreational racquets.

Which to choose?

It is true that custom made racquets have an advantage over regular ones, but it is only a good idea to purchase one if you are a regular table tennis player or you want to enter in a competition. If you are just playing for fun, it is suggested that you stick with pre-made paddles.

So you are decided to purchase a custom racquet? Asses you playing style. After you have done this, choose the paddle appropriate for it. As you improve your play, you can change the rubbers, blades or the whole paddle itself depending on your style.

There are many benefits to owning your own table tennis paddles. Through the right one, you will be able to develop to the player that you want to be. To learn more about the different racquets available, click here.

Selecting the Best Table Tennis Paddles for You is a post from: Table Tennis Experts

Many people who are looking to play ping pong in their home as a way to relax or entertain guests don’t put a lot of thought into the kind of ping pong paddles that they buy. However, having the right ping pong paddles is not only a wise investment that will last you longer in the end, but it is essential to the kind of experience that you have and how well you perform when you do play. If you play ping pong frequently, and are considering improving your game or playing on a tournament level, then knowing how to pick the right ping pong paddles can be valuable information.

While most ping pong paddles don’t cost a whole lot, some of the cheaper versions are less durable and can easily be broken. Virtually anyone who has opted for these cheaper ping pong paddles can attest to the numerous incidents of broken handles and rubbers that come unglued. In the end, it is always better to spend a few extra bucks for a decent ping pong paddle than to have to buy several within the course of a year. Most of the time, your best bet is going to be to buy one that is not pre-made.

Pre-made ping pong paddles are those that come with the rubbers glued on or already attached. The reason that this is important is that the average lifespan of ping pong paddle rubbers is about one year, so these must be frequently replaced. It is much cheaper to buy new rubbers than it is to buy a new set of ping pong paddles. In addition, when you are buying these kinds of paddles, you have no idea how long they have been on the shelf, and one that has been there for more than a year can already be bad.

For those looking to improve their skills or become more competitive, it is also important to consider the type of blade that you want in a ping pong paddle. Blades that are too fast or too slow can have a tremendous impact on how well you play. If you are looking to begin competing in professional ping pong tournaments, perhaps you should look into some of the more professional ping pong paddles on today’s market. Ping pong paddles made my some of the top manufacturers of table tennis products, such as Butterfly or Stiga, can offer some of the most proven and tested ping pong paddles out there.

Find Ping Pong Paddles here: Products Online

How the Right Ping Pong Paddles Can Affect Your Game is a post from: Table Tennis Experts