Table tennis rackets and ping-pong

Speed, spin and control

A table tennis racket is described by three qualities. Speed indicates the power of the ball when hit, spin refers to the ability to lift or cut the ball, and control is the ease of placing the ball where you want it. A beginner prioritises control to keep the ball on the table; an offensive player looks for speed and spin. Manufacturers often indicate these three values on the packaging.

Table tennis on the site

Table tennis also includes:

• Balls.
• Shoes.
• Accessories, cases, cleaners, and nets.

All equipment is collected on the table tennis page.

From leisure to club

Family sets, like the Tibhar Hobbyset or the Avento and Out2Play sets, include two rackets and balls: perfect for the garden or garage table. Beginner rackets, like the Tibhar Rookie, are suitable for children and players new to the club. Faster models, like the Tibhar XXX or the Donic Waldner, named after the Swedish Jan-Ove Waldner, Olympic champion in 1992, are aimed at players who already have a solid foundation.

Grip and maintenance

Most European players hold the racket with a shakehand grip, with their hand wrapped around the handle like a handshake; the penhold grip, common in Asia, is held between the thumb and index finger. The straight, flared or anatomical handle is chosen for comfort. The rubbers lose their grip with dust: they should be cleaned with a dedicated product and the racket stored in a cover, away from light and heat.

Deals

Good deals can also be found in the deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the year-end festivities, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a table tennis rack have two colours?

The rules require two sides of different colours, one black, the other red or another bright colour allowed. This way, the opponent sees which rubber hits the ball and can anticipate the spin.

Which table tennis racket is best for beginners?

A beginner should choose a pre-made racket oriented towards control, with slow rubbers. It helps keep the ball on the table and allows learning the techniques before moving to a more offensive model.

How to clean a table tennis racket?

Wipe the rubbers with a damp sponge or a special cleaner, without scrubbing hard, after each session. A cover then protects the racket from dust and light, which harden the rubber.

How to change the rubber on a table tennis racket?

Gently peel off the old rubber starting from the handle, then apply water-based glue on the wood and the sponge. Once the glue is dry, place the new rubber and trim the excess with a cutter.

Shakehand grip or penhold: what's the difference?

The shakehand grip holds the racket like a handshake and is predominant in Europe. The penhold grip, with the handle between thumb and index, is still common in Asia and favours forehand play.