Table Tennis Equipment
You have decided to take up table tennis. Now, all you need is the equipment. What do you really need? That depends somewhat on your plans. Do you plan on recreational play or tournament play?Those considering tournament play will want to purchase USATT or ITTF approved equipment. Specific equipment regulations cover table tennis balls, tables, paddles, nets, and the rubber sheets.
Glossary of Table Tennis Terms
Whether playing table tennis competitively or just for fun, it's important to know the terms associated with the sport. Here are some of the more commonly used terms:
Types of Table Tennis Blades
Anatomical, flared, straight, padded, penhold, carbon, and wood, tennis table blades come in many styles and materials. While handle style is largely a matter of personal preference, the material composition of the blade will affect performance. Which is right for your game?
Table Tennis Rules
Like any sport, table tennis has official rules. For table tennis, the International Table Tennis Association (ITTF) is the world governing body. ITTF regulates all aspects of sanctioned tournament play. This includes all equipment used, players conduct, and anti-doping.
International Table Tennis Federation
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the world governing body for the sport of table tennis. Founded in 1926, the ITTF held the first World Championship tournament the same year. Before the founding of the ITTF, table tennis was simply a parlor sport. Today table tennis is an Olympic sport with many followers, largely due to the work of the ITTF.
