Key Equipments For Enjoying Table Tennis

Table tennis is a really fun sport and most people love to enjoy this sport on the patio on a beautiful warm summer afternoon or in the basement for some friendly competition. If you are a die hard fan of table tennis you must have your own table tennis or ping pong table to enjoy your favorite sport anytime. But before planning to purchase one for yourself you need to be sure of what you want to get the best bargain. There are several table tennis equipments that you need to consider. Table tennis equipments in general are not too many and one must not hesitate to purchase the best.

The Table

Generally the standard size of tennis table is 2.74 m long, 1.525 m wide, and 76 cm high made with a hardboard layered with a smooth, low-friction coating. The table top is supported by eight legs. Always remember that the playing surface must be thirty inches from the floor. To divide the table into two parts a white line of around one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch is marked on the playing surface which generally comes in a dark green or some dull, non reflecting color. This line is must while playing doubles but it is not mandatory for singles. Depending upon your storing facility and open space you can consider a folding or stationary table tennis table. As far as quality is concerned, Stiga ping pong table tennis tables are the best in the market.

Racket

For playing table tennis the most important equipment is the racket. As far as the rules of table tennis are concerned one can use a racket of any size, shape, and material. But however for quick response it is better to invest on a good quality laminated wooden racket covered with pebbled rubber on one or two sides. The rubber helps in controlling the ball and spinning it the way the player wants. Go for a racket which has a better grip, feel and touch abilities.

The Ball

Extreme care should be taken while purchasing the ball for your Stiga table tennis table. The ball should be perfect round and should neither be too hard nor too soft. Buy a light 2.7 gram, 40 mm diameter ball and the ball must bounce up to 23 cm when dropped on the Stiga ping pong table from a height of 30 cm. To check the quality of the ball check the stars on the ball. A ball with 3 stars is of the highest quality, and is used in official competitions.

Lighting

As table tennis is an indoor game it is essential to have good lighting overhead. For adequate lighting use at least four 200-watt bulbs in a playing space of twenty-five feet by twelve. Plus there must be ample space between the floor and ceiling to allow the players enjoy strokes without hitting the ball on the ceiling.

Net and the Posts

Buy a net with a total length of six feet for your Stiga table tennis table. The net is fixed on the posts located on both sides of the table by using a cord. The posts must be six and three-quarter inches high. Always remember that the net must be exactly six inches from the table top.

Once the above equipments are purchased, you can enjoy playing table tennis on your Stiga ping pong table.