Table Tennis Racket Requirements for Competition Use

Learn about official requirements for table tennis rackets used in competitions sanctioned by ITTF. Understand what type of game you can develop with different technical characteristics.

Table Tennis Racket Requirements for Competition Use

Table tennis is a popular sport that requires specific equipment to be used in official competitions. The net has a height of 15.25 centimeters, and the bat, commonly known as a “racket” or “paddle”, is approximately 17 cm long and 15 cm wide. It is mainly made of wood and has a rubber surface on each side, black and red, that helps players apply and nullify the rotation of the ball. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) requires that all sets of balls, tires, floor and net used during official competitions be approved by them. Players often modify or process the table tennis rackets available on the market to their liking.

It is important to know what the table tennis rules say about it, as your racket is the most important equipment you'll ever use. If the referee allows you to remove your racket during an interval for any reason, both the referee and your opponent must have an opportunity to inspect the racket before the next game starts. However, when deciding whether your racket is legal or not, the referee must primarily consider the interests of your opponent. The construction of the racket and the new rubber technology contribute significantly to the deviation from the ball's expected flight path. You can touch the paddle against the top of the table during the game if the table isn't visibly moving.

Amateur table tennis players who choose to participate in the game should pay more attention when choosing a table tennis racket. For example, they would have an offensive rubber on one side of the racket and a defensive rubber, such as anti-turn, or with long shins on the other side. The ITTF establishes standards for equipment used during competitions sanctioned by them. This means that the table tennis rubbers should not protrude from the edges of the racket, although some tolerance may be allowed by the referee. If you play table tennis, you can understand it, but if it's black on both sides, it's hard to understand the rotation. The table tennis racket is made up of four parts with very specific technical characteristics that directly affect the type of game you want to develop.

Knowing these requirements is essential for any player who wants to compete in official tournaments.