How to choose a paddle

Author Info: Robert Freeman
This document was developed for new table tennis players – participants of TT-101 & TT-102. My wife Wanda and I have been playing in The Villages since 2019. We've met many great people through table tennis and are happy to assist all that participate in these programs.

INTRODUCTION
This document was written for table tennis newbies -- both singles and doubles players.

It's really difficult to give a new player advice on what type of paddle to use because the new players game style is not well defined.  Instead, the author recommends new players play with products that emphasize Control of the Ball. The 3 most common paddle attributes are:

• Speed
• Spin
• Control

If a new player uses a paddle that is constructed for high control and less speed and less spin,  then the new player will likely experience:

1. Longer rallies
2. Will likely win more points
3. Will likely win more matches
4. Have more fun when playing

Recent History of the TABLE TENNIS BALL
Starting around the time of the 2000 Summer Olympics, the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) decided the ball size should be increased from 38 millimeters to 40 millimeters. Also the material of the ball was changed from celluloid to plastic.

The main reason stated by ITTF to increase the diameter of the ball is to slow the ball down and to increase the rally length so as to make table tennis a more fun spectator sport. Also it makes the game more interesting for older players.

Since the 2000 Olympics the plastic ball has evolved and become more spiny & faster than the celluloid ball was. Also player techniques, skill and paddle technology have also evolved. Learning and playing table tennis is physical where your heart rate may go up to 135. And table tennis is very cerebral because you have to understand and react quickly to your opponent's play.

So having a proper paddle is very important today when playing table tennis.

Paddle Selection Ideas

1. Use that old paddle you have been saving.
This is a good idea but we recommend sometimes also trying out a Rec-Center paddle so you can compare the difference. Also have an experience player check the rubber on the old paddle so they can tell you if the rubber is in good enough condition to play with.

2. Use the paddles provided in the Villages Recreation center. Good choice as you can try paddles with different handle types, different weights, different rubber type.

3. Borrow a paddle from a friend
If the friend is a good player then this might work very well because the friend has a lot of knowledge about table tennis and paddles.

4. Purchase a pre-made paddle

5. Purchase a custom-made paddle

How to Purchase A Pre-Made Paddle

Advice:  You will shop around and see many pre-made paddles especially in retail stores and in web sites like Amazon.  The pre made paddles are suitable for beginner players as long as you stay on a budget of $50 or less.  The pre-made paddles that sell for much more are very likely not very appropriate for your game at the beginner level. Later in this document I have a list of a few pre-made paddles that will work at the beginner level.

First here are some rules of thumb that apply to the wood element of the paddle. We call the wood element of the paddle The Blade.

1. Do not purchase a paddle from Walmart, Amazon or Dick's Sporting or someplace similar. Many of these products are targeted to parents who have a table in their garage and just need some cheap paddles that you should avoid.

2. Avoid the urge to purchase an expensive paddle because it was sponsored by an international table tennis player.  At the beginner level it makes no sense to purchase an expensive paddle. Any purchase over $75 might be too advanced for a beginner.

3. Only purchase a paddle that is packaged as a single unit.

4. Avoid paddles that have man-made products like carbon in the blade because these paddles are for advanced players. Wood only.

5. Search for good table tennis brands because they have excellent products. Many excellent brands can be seen on Megaspin.Net.

6. Select a paddle with a blade that has 5 plys of wood. Seven plys is also ok but the 5 plys will mean the paddle will be a little lighter. The paddle made of 100% wood will give you more control of the ball during volleys.

7. Select a paddle with a comfortable handle.  There are 4 basic handle types:

• Straight
• Flared – concave in the middle which many players prefer
• Anatomic
• Penholder

After you make your purchase you should sand the handle a little to make it very smooth in your hand. If you like adding some tape there are various types available including cotton cloth tape and tennis racket tapes. Some  of these tapes absorb sweat, some are tacky, some are cushioned so having your own paddle allows for comfort customization.