A table tennis paddle consists of three basic components: the handle, the table tennis blade, and the table tennis rubber sheet(s). The table tennis rubber sheet is glued onto one or both sides of the table tennis blade and has a great effect on how the table tennis ball will spin off the ping pong paddle. There are many different types of table tennis rubber sheets, and they should be selected based on one's style of play.
One category of table tennis rubber sheets is the inverted. Inverted table tennis rubber sheets are glued to the table tennis paddle with the pips facing inward, creating dimples on the hitting surface. Inverted table tennis rubber sheets allow the player to generate tremendous amounts of speed and spin.
Another type is described as pimples out, meaning that the hitting surface is covered with numerous little bumps called pimples or pips. A table tennis paddle with short pips will not generate nearly as much spin as the inverted rubber sheets. Their advantage lies in defense. They are less vulnerable to opponents' spin and are ideal for players who prefer to remain close to the table.
Long pips will help to confuse opponents. The long pips bend upon impact, and they return the ping pong ball with the same spin created by the opponent. A player can generate a lot of power with the long pips but almost no spin.
Another type is referred to as anti-spin. These do not generate any spin, like the sheets with long pips.
|  |
When choosing table tennis rubber sheets, one must consider his/her style of play and level of competition before committing to one.
