The equipment of table tennis is in general if not very expensive compared to that required in other sports which you should not hesitate to buy the best. Excellent costs of a racket approximately five dollars; a ball, twenty-five hundreds; and a table, fifty to sixty dollars. A honourable store will sell good equipment to you, if you insist on him. If you wish to be really certain, seek the official joint of the association of table tennis of the United States, which is pressed on their equipment by these manufacturers whose products answer the characteristics minimum established by this body.
THE TABLE
The standard table of tennis is of nine feet by five feet, with the surface of play thirty inches of the floor. A white line a eighth a quarter of inch is bottom longitudinally the center of the surface of play and divides the table into two parts. Since the line is only employed in the doubles, it is not obligatory chooses the play inside, but is certainly preferable.
The best table of tennis to be bought is one with three-quarter-inch, five-handle the top skilfully. A table with three thicknesses is cheaper but deadens the rebound of the ball so that a fast play is impossible. The table should be vigorous, of the standard size, and should have eight legs.
Surface should be soiled (not painted) a color green-dark, or other subdues, nonreflective. A painted surface will slow down to the top of the rebound of the ball and will be also erased on the ball and will fade it. The table can be of folding or the stationary type, according to if you have a permanent place in which to keep it.
LIGHTING
If you envisage a gaming room of table-tennis in your basement, you will need good overheads of lighting - at least four bulbs of 200 Watts; a space of minimum clearance of twenty-five feet by twelve; and enough of part between the floor and the ceiling so that you can follow through on your races without striking the racket the ceiling - approximately eight feet.
THE BALL
By buying balls of table-tennis, shown extreme attention that you obtain a round ball, neither too hard nor too gently. A round ball is necessary for a true rebound. It is difficult to order a ball which is too hard or too gently. To examine a ball for the round-off, turn it on a surface punt; if it wavers lightest little, throw it. Inspect the seam of the ball carefully, because if the seam is too hard the rebound will not be true. Grip the ball, initially side and then other, and choose one with roughly the same amount of give each side.
THE NET AND POSTS
Only one word is necessary about the net and of the posts. All the length of the net is of six feet (five feet for the width of table plus an additional prolongation of six-inch on each side). The posts are six and inches of three quarters top and the net is suspended by a cord functioning of a post to the others exactly six inches starting from the table runner. A good net, plus two posts, costs approximately three dollars.
THE RACKET
The piece of the most important equipment is, naturally, the racket. The rules of the alluvium of table tennis you to use a racket of any size, forms, and material which you wish, but, by the experiment, the expert players learned that from the three, four or skilfully five-handle the racket heavy from five to six ounces and cover of soft rubber and pebbled is most satisfactory by far. The rubber pips prolong the contact with the ball and allow the order and turn in the same way as a new tire with full treads out of rubber seizes the road better and gives to the driver more order of its car.
The rubber racket with the additional advantage not to betray the speed of the projectile by the noise. It strikes the ball with same speed as racket of wood but does not allow the adversary with the 'ear of S to inform him severity, or lack of severity, projectile by the produced noise.
Once the equipment above was bought, you are ready to have pleasure to play one of the plays more satisfying and more provocants that you could wish.
Racquet Selection
1. A well balanced, expertly made racquet is a sound investment for good tennis. Twelve to eighteen dollars invested in a racquet of nationally known quality will be well spent.
2. The handle of the racquet should be small. A circumference of four and a half inches is recommended for beginners.
3. Most of the modern racquets balance heavier in the handle than in the head for quicker action. In selecting a racquet, the player should swing a number of different racquets and find the one that seems to suit him.
Care Of Racquet
The racquet should be kept in a press and waterproof case at all times that it is not being used. During the winter it should be packed away in a dry place, where no moisture can get at it. Otherwise the strings are likely to rot and the frame to warp.
Balls
Wright and Ditson, Spalding, Wilson, Dunlop, or Pennsylvania balls which bear the present year and official seal should be purchased as frequently as are needed. Balls are good only so long as the felt cover remains undamaged, and the bounce is perfect.
Nets
1. Cotton nets (costing about six dollars) are all right for occasional use in the gymnasium or improvised lawn courts.
2. Outdoor nets should be made of tarred hemp, with a strong canvas top, and steel or rope cable. If strung on a steel cable, the net may be left out over night without loosening, but with a rope cable, the net must be loosened at night. Nets will last years longer if they are taken in at night and when it rains. A good net costs from fifteen to forty dollars. Steel nets, entirely weatherproof, are growing in favor especially for winter use.
Kinds Of Courts
1. The most efficient courts from the upkeep standpoint are the cement, asphalt or composition courts. These types need no attention except the painting of court lines once a year. The disadvantage, from the player's standpoint, is that the surface may be hard on one's feet, and that the balls wear out or become discolored sooner.
a. These courts are expensive to build (from $900 to $3000) but last many years and require no upkeep expense.
2. The most common courts are of clay or gravel or dirt. This type needs daily care in rolling, raking, and sprinkling, if the surface is to be kept smooth so that the ball bounces accurately.
a. The disadvantage of this type is that it does not dry out for a day or more after rain and requires daily repair.
b. The cost of building this type is small ($200 to $500). However, the upkeep expense is high.
3. Grass courts, if they are good, entail great expense both in building and upkeep. a. They are easy on the eyes and feet and provide a perfect medium for ball bounces and spins.
Costumes
1. The dress or shorts outfit should be all white so that no distraction of color is given.
2. The costume is trim, without ornamentation and should allow perfect freedom of movement. It should be in good taste and make the wearer feel appropriately dressed.
3. Regulation, low cut tennis shoes should be worn which are light and close fitting over heavy wool socks which will absorb perspiration and prevent blisters.
4. A visor or cap should be used against bright sunshine to prevent eyestrain.
Tapes And Lining
1. Steel tapes, driven into the ground and painted white, are durable and a good investment. However, some players complain that the ball bounces peculiarly when it hits the lines.
2. Dry lime is easy to apply but unsatisfactory in that it is scattered by the wind and the players.
3. Paint is the most practical lining material, lasting a year without replacement.
With the above equipment in place you are off on the right foot for a great game of tennis. Good luck!
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