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With decades of competitive table tennis training under our belts, we have learned what items are non-negotiable for a day at the table tennis club. This list will fully prepare you to enjoy the game the way it was intended to be.

Table Tennis Paddle (Bat):  A wooden or wooden composite combination blade covered with rubber on both sides. Always use professional grade equipment. Recreational rackets sold on major online markets and big box stores underperform in spin, control, and feeling. Some aren’t even certified for tournament use. One of our staff shared their own story about switching from a premade to a custom paddle back when they started playing years ago.

Selecting the best custom beginner blade and rubber options is non-negotiable for learning proper technique. Their grip, speed, and control don’t limit your potential to grip and rip the ball.

For advanced players, check out our list of equipment used by world top 20 professionals: Top 20 Men Equipment List and Top 20 Women Equipment List

Table Tennis Balls: Modern balls are 40mm in diameter and come in different ratings (e.g., 1-star, 3-star). A 3-star ball is recommended for quality play. Your average ball from the department store won’t cut it for the serious player. Tip: be sure to stamp or label your balls with your initials. Ball thieves are all too common at TT clubs and this way you can prove they are yours.

Check out these highly recommended balls used by professionals below:

Nittaku 3 Star- the gold standard of balls- Buy Now

Butterfly 3 Star- highest quality standards- Buy Now

DHS 3 Star 40+- high quality and best value- Buy Now

Table Tennis Shoes: are low profile indoor court shoes which provides a stable and grippy sole. The thinness provides a rigid base for rapid lateral, forward, and backwards movements and helps prevent lower extremity injury. Running shoes and casual shoes are not acceptable for the same reason that you would not perform an agility cone exercise with sleeping pillows duct taped to your feet. There are specific shoes made for table tennis and I highly recommend getting a pair for the previously mentioned reasons. Put on and remove them before and after playing to extend their life and help maintain the floors of the facilities you play in.

Shop from a large selection of high-quality professional shoes: Shop Now

Clothing: Comfortable athletic clothing.  If you're training hard for long periods of time, packing a change of clothing for during and after can be a lifesaver to keep you dry and comfortable later on. Also, thick athletic socks can help increase comfort and have you playing for longer before you start feeling soreness in your feet. It's a real problem in table tennis.

Browse stylish table tennis apparel from top brands: Shop Now

Table Tennis Table: A regulation-sized table is ideal and measures 9 feet long X 5 feet wide X 2.5 feet tall. Professional tables have higher quality standards which provide even playing surfaces with consistent ball bounce on any given point of the table. A serious player needs a table built under strict quality control standards.

Browse top quality professional grade ping pong tables: Shop Now

Net and Posts: Most tables come with a lower quality net, ensure you have a net and posts that fit and are high quality so they last a lifetime. Proper net height is 6 inches (15.25cm) above the surface of the table. Net measuring gauge tools are available, or you can use your bat face standing horizontally on its' side as a rough guide

Upgrade your old net with a professional quality option: Shop Now

Highly Recommended Accessories

Ball Storage: A container or bag to keep your balls organized. No more digging endlessly through the bottom of your bag

Browse selection of table tennis ball cases and tubes : Shop Now

Racket Case: To protect your racket when not in use. Rubbers are sensitive and can be scraped, chipped and ripped without one

Check out a wide variety of racket cases: Show Now

Towel: For wiping sweat and keeping your hands and equipment dry. There is no worse inconvenience than not being able to play because the ball and table are wet

Pick up a branded sweat towel for serious training sessions: Shop Now

Conclusion

This is all that you need to play the game. Just get a dedicated partner, find a place to play, and start reading through our beginner and intermediate tutorials to begin your exciting, and hopefully long lasting, table tennis journey. If you don't have proper equipment yet we always recommend starting with the one of the best introductory pro paddle combinations, the Yasaka Sweden Extra 5-Ply All Wood Blade with Yasaka Mark V Rubbers which you can purchase: Buy Now

If you’re looking for something else, buy authentic equipment from our partner Megaspin.net: Shop Now

For advanced players, check out our list of the top 20 male and female player’s equipment: Top 20 Men Equipment List and Top 20 Women Equipment List