How to choose a table tennis racket

In order for a table tennis game to end in an unconditional victory, the equipment for the match should be given close attention. This is especially true of the racket – each athlete has his own playing technique and his own 'set' hand, and it is she who should provide maximum functionality, becoming a full-fledged extension of the tennis player's hand.

Top Table Tennis Racket Manufacturers

Traditionally, the best tennis rackets are considered to be the models that famous manufacturers of sports equipment had a hand in making:

1. Atemi

2. Butterfly

3. Joola

4. Cornilleau

5. Stila

In addition to everything, it is necessary to study the reviews of those who use these or those models and can certainly highlight both their strengths and weaknesses. You can find them on all kinds of table tennis forums, as well as in the corresponding groups on social networks.

Types of table rackets

Rackets for beginner tennis players and amateur models

Devices categorized from 1 to 3 stars. Fully factory-made, great for mastering the technique of the game. They have a comfortable ergonomic handle, while the striking part has a special sponge pad 1-3 mm thick.

Advantages

• Low cost;

• Comfortable handle;

• Suitable for amateur play;

disadvantages

• Mediocre build quality

• Not suitable for professional use and complex techniques;

• The handle consists of a few layers of wood;

• They quickly fall into disrepair;

Rackets for professionals

Models used by professionals during the competition. Their main difference is a collapsible design that allows you to assemble a racket for a specific style of play. It goes on sale in the form of a set of elements and special glue, from which the athlete personally collects a suitable option for him. They are distinguished by high quality of workmanship and exact correspondence of real and declared characteristics.

Advantages

• High quality of the main elements;

• Allow to implement the most complex techniques during the game;

• The ability to combine a racket depending on the required game mode and tactics;

• Design versatility;

disadvantages

• Suitable exclusively for advanced tennis players;

• More expensive than prefabricated models;

Table Tennis Racket Selection Options

Racket base

The most important element responsible for performing complex techniques and maneuvering during the game. It can be made of plastic or from several layers of soft and hard wood, spliced ​​under high pressure. The first option is used in budget models recommended for beginners, the second is preferred by professionals who are demanding on the quality of the racket. By design, all grounds are divided into three general groups:

1. DEF – rackets designed for defensive play;

2. ALL – universal models, suitable for both defense and attack;

3. OFF – models that involve active and aggressive play, characterized by a high tempo and high rotation speed;

Cover type

The pads are removable pieces of porous material that are attached to the wooden base of the racket and assume contact with the ball. Depending on their style of play, professionals can use two types of rubbers on their racket:

1. Identical overlays. They do not imply the overturning of the racket during the game, they are similar to each other;

2. Different overlays. As a rule, one of the linings is smooth, the other is corrugated. Designed to drastically change the technique of the game during the match, involve turning over the sides during the game.

3. In addition to the design, the thickness of the linings also varies. So, models with a thickness of 1-1.5 mm are good for the defensive nature of the game, as well as for undercutting. 1.5-2 mm thick pads are a typically versatile option. The models, which are 2 millimeters thick, are thick and offer aggressive attacking play.

Handle shape

Rackets with a wide variety of handle shapes are popular among athletes:

1. Straight;

2. Conical;

3. Flared;

4. Anatomical;

They have no advantages and disadvantages, but the choice is made by selecting the racket, the handle of which 'lay in the hand' of the athlete.

Racket weight

A correctly matched racket is not overly light, since such models are unlikely to provide adequate control over the ball and lead to additional vibrations upon contact with it. At the same time, the racket should not be too heavy, otherwise fatigue and fatigue in the muscles will manifest themselves very soon. The optimal racket weight is 150-200 grams.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a tennis racket and the secrets of choosing badminton.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.