Table Tennis Racket

Basic on a table tennis racket

A table tennis racket is commonly made from laminated wood, with rubber on both sides or one depending on the player's grip. Officially known as the table tennis 'paddle' by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

Rubber differences

The two sides can have different kinds of rubbers. One side could have a heavy-spin rubber and the other a no-spin rubber. This allows players to change sides during play to respond to a shot more exactingly. By ITTF regulations the colours on the sides have to be different so the opponent knows which side is being used. Also, before the match opponents are allowed to inspect each other's racket to see type and colour. The rubber coating may be pimpled (pips) or have the pips inverted. Or it could be just plain black or red, with the variation in response provided by the quality of each rubber. There are also rackets that have a sponge layer before the outer layer of rubber is applied. Pips being outwards works in favour of reducing spin as there is lesser rubber in contact with the ball. Rubbers approved by the ITTF have their emblem along the base.

The more famous brand that is also a hit in Pakistan is Butterfly. Aside from Butterfly, some of the top brands include Stiga, DHS, Donic & Killerspin.