Learn how to choose the perfect table tennis racket to suit your playing style and budget. Follow our guide for expert tips and advice.

A racket is one of the key components of a table tennis game. The right choice of this equipment significantly affects the results and pleasure of the match. It also helps to master the technique faster, increase control over the ball and improve the accuracy of strikes. Let’s look at the main characteristics and features of choosing rackets.

How to Choose a Table Tennis Racket.

Rackets can be divided into several categories. According to the style of play, they are divided into offensive and defensive , depending on the speed and spin they provide.According to the level of play, there are three main types: for beginners, amateurs and professionals . The correspondence of a racket to a certain level is usually indicated by stars.

All table tennis rackets have three main characteristics that affect the ball’s behavior: speed, control, and spin. What should be first for beginners and amateurs? They need to focus on the “control” parameter. If they choose a racket with a high speed or spin indicator, it will no longer match their level. Then it will be difficult to make progress.

Therefore, beginners should pay attention to basic models, usually marked with one star. They provide high control, but have moderate speed and spin characteristics.

Amateurs with a higher level of play may want to consider two- or three-star rackets. And what should experienced players with a confident command of technique choose? Products with a rating of four or five stars. Professionals , as a rule, prefer to assemble rackets themselves, combining different options of blades and rubbers, taking into account their individual needs and style.

Racket rubbers

One of the main factors that determine the behavior of the racket is the rubbers. They come in two types: smooth and spiked.

The first ones provide an excellent feeling of the ball and allow you to set a powerful spin. Usually, the thickness of smooth rubbers varies from 1.2 to 2.1 mm, but it can be more – in this case, the racket will be marked “Max”. Thinner rubbers (from 1.2 to 1.8 mm) provide better control and are suitable for a defensive style of play, and thicker ones (from 1.8 mm and above) – for an aggressive attack.

The second ones have a textured surface. It helps to form an unexpected trajectory of the ball for the opponent. Depending on the length of the spikes, there are three types:

• short for attacking actions;
• short for protection;
• long for defensive style players.

The friction of the rubbers also plays an important role. The higher the friction, the easier it is to impart spin to the ball. However, such rubbers are more difficult to control when receiving spinning serves.

Some players use special adhesives, or boosters, when assembling rackets. They additionally increase the elasticity of the rubbers, increase speed and rotation. However, according to the requirements of the International Table Tennis Federation, it is prohibited to use boosters in official tournaments. And the composition also reduces the service life of the rubbers.

Tennis racket handle

The optimal handle shape depends on the size of the palm and playing habits. Each type has its own advantages, and the choice often comes down to personal comfort and the preference of the table tennis player.

• Straight – suitable for those who prefer frequent changes of grip.
• Anatomical – convenient for players with large hands, as it has a thickening for the palm dimple.
• Conical – the choice of players with small palms; has a reduced diameter in the grip area, which improves dynamics.

Weight of the racket

The characteristic primarily affects the player’s maneuverability and fatigue. Rackets can be roughly divided into three categories.

• Lightweight (up to 150 g) – they are easier to hold, provide high maneuverability and reduce the load on the wrist. Such rackets are used mainly for quick, short strokes, but give more vibration when in contact with the ball.
• Medium (160–170 g) is the most versatile category, suitable for players of different levels. They combine maneuverability and control and do not cause rapid fatigue.
• Heavy (180g and up) – these rackets are suitable for physically trained players who prefer powerful hits. These models provide better stability and control, but require more endurance.

Racket flexibility

The flexibility of the racket base plays an important role in how the ball bounces off its surface. What are the nuances here? A soft base gives more time to control the ball, since the projectile bounces more slowly. This is ideal for a defensive style of play. A hard base provides a faster and more precise bounce. This option is often chosen by attacking players who value speed.

You can determine the flexibility of a racket by the sound it makes when you hit it. If it is dull, the base is soft. A ringing sound indicates hardness. Soft bases are often marked as DEF (from English defensive – defending). Hard ones – as OFF (from English offensive – attacking).

Universal bases are marked as ALL (from English allround – universal) and are suitable for a mixed style of play. At the same time, there are also combined options: for example, ALL+ is suitable for a universal style with attack elements, ALL- – with attack elements. And OFF+ is for a very strong attacking game.

When choosing a racket, it is important to remember that it should match the level of play or be slightly lower. Beginners should focus primarily on control, choosing models with good grip to make it easier to master the technique.

The shape of the handle and the weight of the racket do not play such an important role: it is better to test different options in the store, but you can also choose a universal model. And only as your skills grow does it make sense to move on to higher-level rackets and even assemble them yourself.

It is important to remember that rushing to choose a professional racket can negatively affect the quality of the game. Its characteristics may be difficult to master.

To make your racket last longer, it is also important to take care of its rubbers. Use special cleaning products without alcohol and oils. Regular racket care will help maintain its characteristics and improve the durability of the rubbers, which is especially important for active players.