The game of table tennis or Ping pong is increasingly and widely known around the world. It is a fast-paced, thrilling tabletop game played by two participants that can bring hours of amusement. It is true: to perform the best in the game of ping pong, you must train and play the right way. Additionally, ensure that you are using the best table tennis gear. But, the question here arises: How to choose a ping pong paddle? Or How can you be certain that the ping pong paddle you’re using is the appropriate one?
Well, in my experience, the quickest method to analyze paddles is to properly examine whether each paddle has particular specifications, six basic parts collectively form a paddle. You should analyze the rubber thickness, sponge thickness, blade composition, grip type, and weight to discover which paddle will work best for your game style and ability.
You can decide on any one of these aspects to build a paddle that would match your playing style. In this article, I will be helping you to better understand, what is a ping pong paddle and how to choose a ping pong paddle. Keep in mind, that selecting the perfect paddle can enhance your gameplay!
Contents
So, let’s Go Over How to Choose the Best Ping Pong Paddle Perfectly Suited for Yourself.
Control through the Handle
In table tennis bats, the handles are attached to the blade. It can be long or short, enclosed or uncovered, anatomic, straight,penhold or, flared. The Penhold handle is a smaller handle intended for players that like the penhold grip. The flared edges of a flared handle enable the paddle to remain put in your hand, making it a good choice for beginning players. Flared handles are typically somewhat longer than penhold handles.
Straight handles are recommended for players who frequently switch grips, whereas flared handles best ping pong paddles for beginners or for forehand strokes. Anatomic handles similar to the flared handles are ideal for players who use the same grip throughout the gameplay
Choosing the suitable Grip
The kind of blade handle that should be on your paddle depends on how you grip it. A table tennis paddle can be gripped in two separate forms: The “shake hand” grip, which takes inspiration from how grasping your play hand is identical to a handshake with someone you’ve just greeted. This type of hand grip is the most preferred grip in the West.
The other form is the “penhold” grip which is preferred by Asian people more. When using a “penhold” grip, the handle is clasped between the forefinger and the thumb in a similar manner to holding a pen. In order to give other players a sense of greater power, the paddle is positioned downward.
Choose a ping pong paddle from a Flared or Straight grip based on your choices. The Straight handle is rather a bit thinner and better suited for players with a strong grip, whereas the Flared handle is often comfy for individuals who loosely handle their paddle.
Determining your Play style
The selection to use a paddle is obviously quite personal. Each player has their own play style and movement, however, there are paddles made for diverse play styles overall. Practice several rounds and keep note of your favorites and style. Occasionally, request the advice of a teammate, instructor, or competitor to observe you playing and comment on your attitudes and behavior.
Ask questions like have you been an offensive player with strong shots? A defensive player that defeats competitors with positioning, endurance, and trickery? Or did you put control initially, delivering carefully-placed shots and swaying your opponent? Once you determine whether you tend to play more offensively, preferring long shots, or defensively, preferring greater control, choosing a ping pong paddle becomes simpler.
Beginning with a Simple Wooden or Plastic Paddle
When you are just learning the game, and thinking about how to choose a ping pong paddle, go for the least expensive paddle you can get.
These plain paddles are typically composed of a single sheet of plastic that has been molded or several thin wood layers. Such ping pong paddles are plain in regards to design or performance. However, they can be incredibly useful if you’re just beginning, so won’t be spending a fortune on a paddle that is more pricey.
The Centre Blade of the Paddle
The blade is the main focus of the ping pong paddle, determining control, power, and sensation. The blades are constructed from many layers of wood, typically coupled with carbon and some synthetic fibers.
An aggressive paddle is composed of lighter, highly rigid elements, whereas a defensive player will advantage from a heavier paddle that is more on the soft side.
If you’re a defensive player and want to choose a ping pong paddle, you’ll get the advantage from an all-wood blade. As it takes plenty of the energy of the ball to assist in slowing the match pace to your comfort.
Considering the Rubber
Rubbers are frequently determined based on how tacky and stiff they are. The rubber should be distributed evenly along the blade side making contact with the ping pong ball. More tacky results in an increased spin. More spin is often produced by softer rubber.
Therefore, you should use a soft, sticky rubber if you intend to engage in a sluggish, defensive style. You need a firmer firm rubber if you enjoy an offensive game style. Additionally, the rubber must have one side red and the other side in black color. If your bat employs two separate rubbers, your competitors can identify which side you’re playing with. Thanks to the ITTF’s addition of the color rule one can better predict speed and spinning.
Also read How to clean ping pong paddle like Professional
Weight and Size of the Paddle
Try out various sizes and weights. Ping pong paddles are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and styles. It may be beneficial to experiment with several various varieties prior to deciding on the one you truly prefer.
Heavier ping pong paddles are preferable for offensive players who rely on pace to score matches, but lighter, extra-flexible paddles enable defense players to control the ball’s tempo and course. Once you get the possibility, experiment with paddles of different weights and sizes to determine what matches you the finest.
Sponge as a Barrier
Sponges act as a barrier between your paddle blade and rubber. Typically, they are categorized as thick, thin, or medium. The sponge density and thickness have an impact on the ball’s pace. Broadly speaking, a thick sponge produces a speedier, aggressive paddle. The speedier paddle implies that the ball rebounds speedier from the bat. On the other hand, defensive players frequently favor the thinner sponge. Thinner sponges give you greater time to respond as the ball rebounds slower.
Frequently ask Questions
Yes, certain paddles contain textures called pumps, waffling, or dimples. The texture on the rubber grasps the ball and momentarily enables it to stick after the impact of the ball.
Yes, a paddle’s thickness affects how much it weighs. You can drive the ball faster using thicker paddles, but the handling is compromised. Although they appear to rebound a slight bit slower, thinner paddles provide you with the greatest control of the ball.
Composite blades are mostly concerned with balancing speed and durability against ball contact and spinning. Conversely, certain wood blades are speedier compared to other composites. As well as few composites have a greater contact for the ball compared to all-wood blades.