How to choose a table tennis cover?
After choosing a ping-pong table, which is the "soul" of the racket, the next step is to choose the cladding that complements its parameters.
The pads differ in the level of rotation and the speed they can impart to the batted ball. It is a resultant of the spongy base and the outer layer.
The outer layer is defined by the type of pins used (their length, diameter, spacing and flexibility) and the rubber sheet connecting them. The undercoat (sponge) can be characterized by a different level of hardness and elasticity.
It is important to use certain technologies
You can learn more about the technologies about ping-pong table on the page dedicated to them. Below we present in more detail the elements of the cladding structure and a collective chart that classifies them in terms of parameters.
Remember that you may have different pads on both sides of the racket.
The pins face the sleeper. The most numerous and versatile group of pads, with pads designed for each style of play.
They give the ball spin very well, but are also sensitive to the spin given by the opponent.
The pivots are wide and short, facing outwards
It is good for offensive play, aggressive counterattacks and defensive play close to the ping-pong table. Due to the smaller contact area with the ball, they have less ability to spins the ball, but they provide more control over the rotation given by the opponent.
LONG POTS
Longer, narrower pips facing outwards that bend more easily when exposed to the ball. Recommended for defensive play, they can give the ball a less obvious flight path.
They make the ball spin quite easily, even in spite of the smaller contact area with the ball.
The match starts with putting the ball into play (who serves is chosen randomly). The starting player introduces the ball by means of a pass. Passing is like tossing the ball and hitting it with the racket in such a way that it first bounces once from our half of the ping-pong table, and then bounces directly on the opponent's field.
If we pick up the ball, we have to do it in such a way that it first hits the opponent's field. The ball may bounce off the net and only then hit the other half of the table. The action continues until one of the players does not hit the ball or makes a mistake.
How are points in table tennis are awarded?
- The opponent fails to make the correct pass or receipt,
- The ball, after being hit by an opponent, does not touch the receiving player's field,
- The opponent hits the ball more than once on ping-pong table,
- Will move the playing surface and thus affect the course of the match,
- A free hand (the one that is not holding the racket) will touch the surface of the table,
- And when the opponent is unable to deflect the correctly played ball.
Table tennis is usually played with up to three sets won. At higher-level events, however, matches last up to four. One set is 11 points. The first person to reach this number wins it.
However, if the players have 10 points each, the person who gains a two-point advantage first wins. Every two points, the person passing the ball changes. In the case of a very even set, the game is ahead, so the server changes every point. The entire match is won by the player who first wins the necessary number of sets to win.
What do the rules of ping-pong table tennis say about the game?
The ping-pong table must have specific dimensions: 2.74 meters in length and 1.53 meters in width. There must be a net, suspended at a level of 15.25 cm, exactly in the center. Its bottom must be as close as possible to the table top, and the whole thing should be mounted with special clamps.
The edges of the table must be marked with white lines. In turn, the ball should be matte and orange or white.
Rockets can be of any shape and weight. However, the board must be rigid and lined on one side. The better the quality of the ping-pong table, the longer it will last. So, it's worth knowing how to choose a table tennis racket. And because ping-pong is a dynamic sport and forces players to run up frequently, you should also get tennis shoes.
Classical and measurable parameters - speed and rotation
Butterfly lining classification is based on classical and measurable parameters - speed and rotation.
Think about what you expect from the new lining - greater speed or, on the contrary - greater precision?
First, determine the optimal speed level. Following the vertical axis, defensively oriented slower game pads range from 0 to 8. Ping-pong table give you precision, but at the cost of speed and rotation (except for Tackiness C and Tackiness C II).
Versatile, mostly classic, facings, you will find in the range from 8 to 11. They will be pleased with players who decide to buy professional equipment for the first time, and those who appreciate the balance of speed and control in the game.
Above level 11, quick facings are grouped, intended for offensive play. Here you will find cladding equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies.
Then think about what level of rotation you think is optimal. Remember that high-rotation pads are also sensitive to opponent's rotation, which means that applying them requires some technical skill. Use the horizontal axis.
Ping-pong table: hardness of the base
The hardness of the entire cladding is the result of the features of its elements. One of these factors is the pivot structure - longer, narrow and less spaced pivots will make the cladding softer than wider, shorter and more densely spaced pivots.
This is the difference between the T-energy and Digenic series linings. The rubber sheet that connects the studs is also important - the very high-quality rubber used in Butterfly cladding is softer than other materials.