Different Table Surfaces
Table Tennis Equipment
Last updated 11 years ago
Arlen Tan Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois,
Does the table surface make a difference in gameplay? And before that just to check, is there more than one type of table surface used in an official competition?
I have been playing a lot at home on a Butterfly table, and recently just got active in school. I think the tables in my school are slightly smoother and I definitely feel there is a *slight* difference when I play. Is it just me or does the table surface change anything?
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Arlen,
The table surfaces can change depending on the type of wood and the type of paint used.
It will make slight changes to the speed and bounce of the ball. I find though that with a little bit of practice on a new table it is easy to adjust.
When you first play on a new table, just hit the ball with some consistency and get the feel of it.
Thoughts on this question
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Arlen Tan Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alois,
Thanks for answering.
May I know how the type of paint affects the play?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
I don't have technical knowledge here but the softness or the roughness of the paint I think makes a difference. I remember the tables at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 had a strange green paint that really slowed the ball down.