Table Tennis Table Size

If you are looking to get into table tennis seriously or just for fun you’ll find the basic information you need, such as table tennis table size, to get started here. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) does not specify the exact size or shape that a table tennis table should be. However, there has been a standard rectangular size that has been accepted by virtually all table tennis producers and users. The standard table tennis table size is 30 inches (76 cm) high, 108 inches (274 cm) long and 60 inches (152.5 cm) wide. The net is 6 inches (15.25 cm) high and should also hang over each side by 6 inches.

The ball that is most commonly used is usually white or orange with a 40 mm diameter and weighs 2.7 grams. The material used to make the ball doesn’t matter as long as the ball produces a 23 cm bounce when dropped from a height of 30 cm, according to the ITTF. Obviously a ball that can stand repeated hitting is most useful. Concerning paddles, you guessed it, the ITTF does not specify any size limitations. Over time however, basic common sense has led to some pretty standard paddles. Obviously a small paddle would not be an advantage and a paddle too large limits quickness. Most paddles are an oval type shape with a length between 5 and 7 inches and a width of 4 - 6 inches. They have a rubber face, thickness is varied depending on the users preference, and if they being used in official matches they to have one side colored red and the other side colored black. For home usage color is of no concern.

The last thing concerning table tennis table size and equipment is a white line dividing the table lengthwise. The line has no use for single matches (you can serve from anywhere on your side to anywhere on the other side), it only comes into play for doubles (where the server has to serve to the part of the table the is kiddy corner). The last piece of information you’ll need to get started is how the scoring and serving work. The serving is pretty simple, after volleying for serve to determine who starts each contestant takes turn serving 5 times in a row. Games are played to 21 and you must win by 2 (Note: The ITTF has switched to 11 pt games, win by 2, best of 5 series.). A point is scored on every rally, you do not need to be serving to score. How match point is played can be varied, some people always let the person behind serve (this is what the ITTF does) while others just allow the game to finish out without any adjustments. It is recommended to go with the first option (letting the person behind serve), it makes the game more interesting and makes the victory more hard earned. Enjoy your new found table tennis information, it is a wonderful game/sport.