Table Tennis Sets for sale

Table tennis, a sport and recreational pastime that is commonly known as "ping pong" has been popular in the U.S. for decades. It was first brought to the U.S. from England in the early 20th century. It originated in the United Kingdom as a parlor game, where it was first played with books as paddles. Today, table tennis is an Olympic sport with millions of fans around the world, but many people are still introduced to the sport in game rooms and on backyard patios. One of the most attractive things about table tennis is that even those who are not elite athletes can still thoroughly enjoy a game with just a few pieces of equipment.

In fact, many table tennis sets come complete with everything that one would need to start a rousing game in the parlor, or anywhere else that has an empty table and a friend or two. These sets typically include paddles, balls, nets, and net attachments, which are used to connect the net to the playing surface. Table tennis sets are great for those who do not have room in their homes or budget for an entire table tennis table. Instead, these people can transform an empty table or countertop into a playing surface for table tennis with the use of a set.

Table Tennis Paddles

Table tennis sets can come in different configurations, but every one should include at least one table tennis paddle. There are many different variations on the typical table tennis paddle, which is referred to as a racket in international play. However, in its basic form, a table tennis paddle is made of a piece of wood, known as a blade, that has rubber coverings on one or both sides of the hitting surface. The texture of the rubber as well as the padding used underneath the rubber can affect the speed and spin of the ball when hit. For most recreational players, the table tennis paddle or paddles that are included with a set will be entirely sufficient for casual games. Those players who become more serious about table tennis may choose to purchase a separate paddle that conforms to the International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF) rules and allows for a higher caliber play. However, many professional quality paddles can cost over $200, which is not a reasonable price for most casual players. That is why many people suggest that a player's real interest and dedication to the game be assessed using more conventional (and less expensive) paddles before making the investment.

Table Tennis Balls

The first games of table tennis were played with golf balls or champagne corks, neither of which were particularly suited to be hit at high speeds. However, in 1901 a British man who was fond of table tennis came to the U.S. and discovered celluloid balls, which he found well suited to his game of choice. Table tennis balls, which will be included in virtually all table tennis sets, are still made of celluloid today, although some are made of other plastic materials. Table tennis balls are between 38 mm and 44 mm in diameter, although since the 2000 Olympic Games, a 40 mm ball has been used in Olympic play. The faster a player wants his or her game to be, the smaller the table tennis ball he or she should choose. Most balls included with table tennis sets will be of the internationally sanctioned size, but it is easy enough to check the packaging or description of the set to find out what size balls are included. There has recently been an increased interested in the slower play that is afforded by the 44 mm balls, so some players may wish to explore that as an option as well.