Table tennis balls, also known as ping-pong. It is a way to have a good time while improving your hand-eye coordination, physical condition and concentration skills.
To play ping-pong, apart from the table and paddles, balls are necessary. It is the balls that we will focus on today. We invite you to read!
Parameters of table tennis balls
Choosing a tennis ball is as important as choosing a board. Regardless of our level of advancement and whether we are looking for an amateur or professional ball, we should take into account several parameters. Here are some tips.
Diameter - The diameter of the table tennis balls should be 40 mm. This diameter will guarantee a good spin for the ball, and 40mm is the official approved tournament size. During training, you can use balls with a different diameter, for example 38 mm; they are faster than standard balls.
Weight - The standard weight of a table tennis ball should be around 2.7 g, although of course lighter and heavier models are also available.
- Material - balls are most often made of plastic or celluloid.
- Hardness - hard balls are better for players who prefer an offensive style, soft balls are dedicated to players who prefer defensive play.
Workmanship - the quality of workmanship is very important, especially that the table tennis balls does not have visible seams. When we run our finger over the ball, the seam cannot be felt. The seams break quickly, making it necessary to replace the balls more often and reduce the bouncing quality of the ball.
Stars - we can buy balls with one, two or three stars.
What do such signs symbolize?
- 1 star - balls with one star are balls that meet all MFTS requirements. Players use such balls during official competitions.
- 2 stars - such balls are intended for intermediate players, mainly for recreational games.
- 3 stars - table tennis balls with 3 stars are dedicated to beginners. Such balls are quite slow and their flight path is quite predictable.
The colors of the ping-pong balls
Another important consideration when it comes to tennis balls is the colors. The International Table Tennis Federation has approved the colors white and orange. White balls are intended for playing on a green table, while orange balls are intended for playing on a blue table. Such balls are usually used in professional games or during competitions.
You can also buy other colors of balls, pink, blue, etc. such balls are intended for recreational games.
Table tennis balls - what should you know?
Poor quality balls, irregularly shaped balls or with noticeable seams will have a negative impact on the quality of the game and the result of the match. That is why the production of the balls must therefore be carried out in accordance with strict standards.
We usually choose the cheapest tennis balls. Low price, reasonably good quality and when they are damaged, we buy new ones. What about people already playing in leagues? Can you play a one-star ball in tournaments? These questions, as well as other doubts, will be answered in this article.
There are many balls, and they are made of various materials. The most common balls are plastic or - which is increasingly rare - celluloid.
Celluloid balls have a different dynamic. They are slower, but softer, which makes it easier for players who focus on spinning.
What standards should a table tennis balls meet?
Each ball that is to become an official part of the tournament is subject to strict rules: size 40 mm, perfect spherically, and the colors that can be played are white on a green table or orange on a blue table.
Low-quality balls have visible seams on the inside and are very soft. When buying, we should pay attention to quality, because only balls approved by the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) are approved for official matches, and they also provide the best quality of rebound, which is associated with a better game - that is, the bounces are more comfortable.
The table tennis balls also have stars that are conventional (1 star means recreational balls for amateur games, 2 training stars for amateur tournaments, and 3 stars with ITTF marking for official matches, e.g. league matches).
Before we buy the balls, it is worth knowing your needs
Do you want to play recreational games with your friends or train for an important tournament?
Everyone is allowed to play table tennis. The rules of the game are simple. In short, the whole game is about bouncing the ball in such a way as not to give the opponent (or opponents) a point. At the same time, you should hit the table tennis balls in such a way that our opponent cannot defend it.
If we make a mistake, the opponent scores a point. You need a special table, rackets and balls to play. Learn the rules of table tennis.
Basic rules of the game of table tennis
Table tennis - popularly known as ping-pong - is one of the most popular games in the world. Although it does not seem difficult, it requires a lot of focus, reflexes and fitness. People who have never played ping-pong may associate it with "passing a ball lazily to one another through the table and rackets."
However, the real game of table tennis has nothing to do with laziness. During the match, two people or two teams of two people compete against each other. It all depends on the type of game played.
The players have a table between themselves, which is the basis of the game. Their task is to pierce the table tennis balls in such a way that it bounces on the opponent's field and at the same time is not played by him. If the opponent is already able to play the ball, his playing should result in a mistake.
This is where we score a point. Ping-pong is played with a special table tennis racket. A tennis table with specific dimensions and shape is also required to play.
Color is also important in table tennis balls
The balls are of great importance, which is why their choice cannot be accidental. The International Table Tennis Federation has approved two colors - orange and white. In the case of an amateur game, other shades of table tennis balls are also allowed, such as pink or blue. A well-chosen ball will have a big impact on the quality of the game.