Table tennis was born in England in the 19th century and is today a relatively popular sport that requires quick reflexes, focus and mastery of the right technique. The beauty of table tennis is that the basic movements are easy to master, but mastering the ball fully is a true art. Beginner ping pong lovers should pay attention to the choice of the right racket, because it is essential for the comfort of the game.
Currently available rackets can be divided into two types. The first includes professional models that can be assembled from separate elements. Players have the option of fitting custom-made pads, boards and handles.
A more suitable option for beginners is another type of table tennis rackets, that is models factory glued by the manufacturer. They are much cheaper than the previous type, but in their case it can be problematic to remove the liners to replace them. It’s a great choice if you’re just starting out on your ping pong adventure or if you’re on a budget.
Another division includes classification according to the level of sophistication and playing style:
- ALL (amateur and beginners) – they are characterized by good feel and control, but at the expense of lower speed and lower dynamics;
- ALL/ALL+ (all-round game) – good control and medium speed allow you to paint more advanced techniques. Such rackets are also used by players who like to combine offensive and defensive games;
- OFF-/OFF/OFF+ (offensive play) – professional models for players who prefer an aggressive game. They are characterized by high speed and dynamics, so they are not recommended for beginners;
- DEF/DEF+ – for players who primarily use defense games. They are usually slower but allow more control of the ball. Sometimes they can be equipped with a larger board and rubber that interferes with offensive moves that are difficult to defend.
Considering the above types of ping pong rackets, the best choice for amateurs are factory-glued pallets and those from the ALL or ALL+ category. However, the individual models may differ in individual parameters, which are also worth knowing about.
Before buying a table tennis racket, you should consider such parameters as:
- The weight – paddles for beginners are relatively light, the ideal weight is from 200 to 300 grams. This makes it easier to control;
- thickness – people who are just learning the game should choose medium thickness blades because they provide the right balance between speed, dynamics and control;
- handle – models with straight, concave, convex or anatomical handles are available on the market. Although a racket with a straight grip is enough for a beginner, the best choice is definitely rackets with anatomical grips adapted to the shape of the hand.
In addition, the models may have additional markings regarding rotation (easy to spin the ball), paddle speed and control during the game. Manufacturers often use a scale from 1 to 10 or from 1 to 100. The higher the value, the better the properties for a given parameter. Beginners don’t need to pay too much attention to these features – they only become more important as the skill develops.
Palette to learn the game is a small expense. The cheapest models can be bought for around PLN 30. Of course, if we are serious about the game, we can buy a slightly more expensive one – more durable, created using higher quality materials and better parameters.
On the other hand, once we acquire the relevant skills, the purchase of a professional palette will be a good solution. Although in this case you have to take into account the cost of up to several hundred zlotys, such models provide the best available parameters and can be used for many years. What’s more, models from the higher price range are characterized by further improvements, e.g. the possibility to easily replace the lining or the carbon fiber spacers.
It is worth noting that it is not worth buying the best, professional palette right away. The reason is simple – a professional racket can paradoxically make it difficult for a beginner to master basic techniques (e.g. if it is very fast).
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It’s definitely worth taking care of your own racket, no matter how much it’s worth (especially beginners forget). Thanks to this, we will increase its life and minimize the risk of damage. To keep it in good condition, we can use a special protective tape. Buying a cover is also a good option.
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Remember not to leave the racket exposed to sunlight or store it in places with high humidity – these factors have a negative effect on the wood the racket board is made of.
It is also worth cleaning the palette regularly with a soft cloth and a little washing-up liquid. Clean racket liners have a positive effect on e.g. ball control or spin.
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